The novella explores several themes including heroism, gender roles, relationships, social class, and religion in Victorian England. The governess tries to govern the children but her efforts are unsuccessful due to lack of ability and burden placed on her by the uncle. Relationships in the story include homosexual relations and repressed desires between various characters. Social class discrimination is also depicted. The governess' fear of corruption of the children represents her own repressed desires and fascination with sexuality. The story also comments on declining religious beliefs and taboo subjects of the time through symbolic references.