What Maisie Knew (Magill’s Survey of American Literature, Revised Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Henry James
- First Published: 1897
- Type of Work: Novel
- Genres: Long fiction, Psychological fiction
- Subjects: Child rearing or parenting, Children, Parents and children, France or French people, Nineteenth century, England or English people, Adultery, Divorce, London, Remarriage, Child care
- Locales: London, England, Boulogne, France, Folkestone, England
When Mr. and Mrs. Beale Farange are divorced, they receive joint custody of their young daughter Maisie. At first, both jealously guard their privileges, using Maisie as a weapon to wreak revenge on each other. Then, as they each become involved with new lovers, Maisie is increasingly forgotten, left to fend for herself with little more guidance and affection that what is to be had from her ridiculous governess, Mrs. Wix.
As it happens, Ida Farange's new husband, Sir Claude, has some scruples and is genuinely fond of Maisie. It is he who takes over her care—indeed, her...
[The entire page is 652 words long]
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