What Maisie Knew: Analysis of Major Characters
"What Maisie Knew" is a novel centered on the experiences of Maisie Farange, a young girl caught in the turmoil of her parents' tumultuous divorce and subsequent relationships. The story explores the complexities of her relationships with several key characters, each representing different facets of adult failings and responsibilities. Maisie is portrayed as a neglected child, initially lacking moral clarity, but she evolves through the influence of Mrs. Wix, her devoted governess, who serves as a beacon of moral guidance in her chaotic life.
The character of Sir Claude, Maisie's mother's second husband, shows a genuine interest in her upbringing, yet he is unable to extricate himself from the complications of his affair with Miss Overmore, Maisie’s first governess. Miss Overmore herself is depicted as self-serving, more invested in her relationship with Sir Claude than in Maisie's well-being. Maisie's mother, Ida Farange, ultimately neglects her parental duties, prioritizing her own desires over her daughter's needs. Meanwhile, Beale Farange, Maisie’s father, remains largely absent, further emphasizing the theme of parental neglect.
Through these characters, the novel delves into themes of innocence, moral development, and the impact of adult choices on children, reflecting the complexities of family dynamics and the search for stability in an unstable environment.
What Maisie Knew: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Henry James
First published: 1897
Genre: Novel
Locale: London, Folkestone, and Boulogne
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: The 1890's
Maisie Farange, the neglected daughter of divorced and irresponsible parents. Shuttled back and forth between her father and mother, Maisie at first lacks moral perception, although she herself is incorruptibly innocent. Then, under the tutelage of Mrs. Wix, she grows in moral and intellectual sense, rejects the immorality of her stepparents, and chooses to live with Mrs. Wix.
Mrs. Wix, a governess employed to replace Miss Overmore. Mrs. Wix alone seems concerned for Maisie's welfare. Refusing to condone the immorality around her, she is the moral influence in the young girl's environment.
Sir Claude, Ida Farange's second husband. Genuinely interested in Maisie, Sir Claude most nearly approaches the fatherly role. He is unable, however, to end his affair with Mrs. Farange (Miss Overmore), and Maisie refuses to live with them.
Miss Overmore, Maisie's governess, later the second Mrs. Beale Farange. After she tires of her husband, she begins an affair with Sir Claude, who is captivated by her beauty. She does not love Maisie, but she feels that she can hold Sir Claude through his devotion to the girl.
Ida Farange, Maisie's mother. Divorced from Beale Farange, Ida marries Sir Claude but soon loses interest in her daughter and husband. She turns Maisie over to him and goes out of their lives.
Beale Farange, Maisie's father. After his divorce, Beale marries Miss Overmore, but they soon tire of each other. Beale goes to America and out of the story.