Innocence

Mansfield explores the notion of innocence and naivety as it relates to the perspective of children who have not yet had a chance to be affected by years of life lived through experiences, or lack thereof, and relationships with others. The plot and character development of the children in this story are the most relevant indicators of the exploration of this theme. Furthermore, the relationships and interactions between the children and adults in this story serve to compare the effects that a life lived on the Bay have on residents who are at different stages in their lives.

Mansfield suggests that innocence is lost as one’s identity develops, and she explores this notion through the use of Linda’s baby boy as a symbol. The fact that the child does not have a name in the story emphasizes the fact that the child does not...