What can Maisie know in literature and film? The role of knowledge in Henry James’s novel "What Maisie knew"

Essay , 2015 , 8 Pages , Grade: 1,3

Didactics for the subject English - Literature, Works

Henry James’s novel depicts the story of a six-year old child that is involved into the problem of complicated parental relationships. It deals with the theme of a "dysfunctional family" and the egoistical abuse and neglect of a child. Whereas these themes seem to be obvious and determining for the novel, there is one topic that solely appears on closer observation. This mentioned topic is concerned with knowledge and intelligence, especially with that of the novel’s protagonist Maisie.

Indeed, the novel’s title indirectly comprises the relevance of knowledge, alone because the reader wants to find out what Maisie knows. However, the topic seems to recede into the background. On closer inspection it becomes obvious that knowledge and gaining insight run like a thread through the entire novel.

This essay analyses the role of knowledge in Henry James’s novel "What Maisie knew" and Siegel’s and McGehee’s film of the same title. Furthermore, it tries to answer the question what role Maisie’s knowledge plays in novel and film. After defining the term "knowledge" this essay proceeds with applying the definitions to James’s heroine Maisie.

Furthermore, it analyses the different types of knowledge that play a role in James’s novel and the circumstances that have an impact on Maisie’s knowledge. Given the fact that Siegel’s and McGehee’s film represent an adaption of James’s novel, the importance of knowledge in the film will be analyzed in the essay’s final section as well. It concludes in saying that knowledge is important for the young heroine’s development and her way towards maturity. Whilst knowledge and Maisie’s insights have a great impact on the course of the novel, McGehee’s and Siegel’s film emphasizes the consequences of bad parenting.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Knowledge and its Different Categories
• Maisie's Knowledge and her Development
• Maisie's Knowledge and her Development: The Role of the Governesses
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay explores the role of knowledge in Henry James's novel "What Maisie Knew" and its adaptation by Siegel and McGehee. It examines how Maisie's understanding of the world develops through her experiences and interactions with the adults around her. The essay aims to understand the significance of knowledge in shaping Maisie's character and her journey towards maturity.

• The complexities of knowledge and its various forms
• Maisie's acquisition of knowledge through observation and experience
• The impact of Maisie's knowledge on her development and understanding of the adult world
• The role of the governesses in shaping Maisie's knowledge and perspective
• The consequences of bad parenting and their impact on Maisie's life

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction defines the term "knowledge" and explores its different categories. It sets the stage for analyzing Maisie's knowledge and how it influences her development.

The next section delves into Maisie's knowledge and its impact on her growth. It examines how she acquires knowledge through her experiences with the adults around her, particularly her parents' dysfunctional relationship. The essay highlights Maisie's strategies for navigating the complexities of the adult world, including selective ignorance and simulated stupidity.

The essay then focuses on the role of Maisie's governesses in shaping her knowledge and perspective. It examines how they influence her understanding of the world and her ability to interpret situations.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This essay explores the themes of knowledge, childhood, development, dysfunctional families, bad parenting, and the impact of experience on understanding. It examines the protagonist's journey of acquiring knowledge and the role of observation, interpretation, and strategic behavior in shaping her character.

• College: University of Frankfurt (Main) (Institut für Englisch- und Amerikastudien)
• Course: Hauptseminar
• Grade: 1,3
• Author: Carina Kaufmann (Author)
• Publication Year: 2015
• Pages: 8
• Catalog Number: V303872
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668023802
• ISBN (Book): 9783668023819
• Language: English
• Tags: what, maisie, henry, james’s