A major theme of the novel is that of childhood innocence. Despite the dissolute and morally corrupt nature of her parents, the eponymous Maisie Farange retains an innocent perception of respect and love; she is an incorruptible figure in a corrupt world. The adults around her are presented as casually cruel and sadistic, but Maisie is nevertheless able to extract proper moral lessons from them. The title's reference to 'What Maisie Knew' refers to a performative creation of a pure world distinct from her unpleasant surroundings; in the end, Maisie's innocence triumphs over the depravity of those around her.[6]
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