An Existential Analysis Of The Development Of Maisie In What Maisie Knew

Henry James (1843-1916) is a famous British and American modern novelist and literary critic. What Maisie Knew (1897) is one of the novels James wrote in the middle period of his literary career. This thesis is to discuss the development of the protagonist Maisie from the viewpoint of existentialism, who grows into a mature and independent adolescent out of an innocent little girl unbound the fetters, making her own choices and confronting the world with courage and responsibility.The thesis consists of five parts. The first part is to introduce the life and the works of Henry James, the creating background of the novel What Maisie Knew and literature review and the creativity and significance of the thesis. Chapter One is to explore the absurdity of the world from three aspects:a turbulent social background, the absurdity of personal relationship in family environment and finally the perplexing and ridiculous application of language. This chapter aims to disclose the condition of the outside world where Maisie lives under. Chapter Two analyzes the process of Maisie’s alienation of self-existence. At first she felt confused at her identity due to the divorce of her parents, which caused fear and dread on her. Therefore she took the strategy of reclusion in order to protect herself and at the same time to observe the world trying to know the rules of the adult world. Chapter Three is to probe how Maisie began to control her life with freedom after what she had learned from the absurd world. Of course it must be a gradual process of becoming an independent and responsible person. Making her voice heard plays an important role in her journey to maturity. She is free to express her opinions and to ask questions, which not only enlarges her knowledge and skills but also demonstrates her power and influences on others. At last she is able to make her own choices, decide what kind of life she will lead and construct her own world. The conclusion overall summarizes the whole process of Maisie as a solider with absolute freedom and responsibility.