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The more traditional interpretations emphasize the adults using Maisie as a weapon against each other ... and otherwise ignoring her. The interest of the much younger stepfather is regarded as a display of brotherly affection, not parental interest, from a man much too young or inexperienced to assume the role of a father figure.
James was concerned with the effect(s) of exposing a young child to adult conversation and situations ... which the child attempts to interpret/understand in terms of their childhood experiences.
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