Maisie is surrounded by lots of really terrible, horrible, no good, very bad people. This is the first thing we learn about her, in the preface. And the plot only thickens as we read on, meeting adult after adulterous adult in Maisie's world.
How she manages to stay innocent despite the corruption of her surroundings is a mystery, one that James explains by highlighting her gifts: her intelligence, sensitivity, and strength of character. What Maisie Knew seems to suggest that nature is more important than nurture in the end. But then again, Maisie does need some nurturing; she can't go it totally alone. Enter Mrs. Wix, better late than never.
Questions About Innocence
- Why does Maisie not lose her innocence?
- How does James reveal the corruption of his adult characters?
- Which of James's adult characters is least corrupt?
Chew on This
Paradoxically, James's protagonist is both innocent and experienced.
What Maisie Knew teaches readers that nature is more important than nurture.