What Maisie Knew

About “What Maisie Knew”

In the aftermath of an acrimonious divorce, young Maisie Farange is shuttled between her father and mother, both of whom are amoral and self-centered. After her parents remarry, their new spouses become drawn to each other, partly for Maisie's sake. This leaves Maisie feeling misplaced and caught between conflicting adult interests. Through her child's perspective, Henry James portrays her growing awareness of the complexities of adult behavior and relationships. The novel offers a sharp critique of social norms and explores themes of family dependency and personal choice.