Part one of term paper
It is believed that the world exists in two fashions, innocence and experience. Neither can exist without its opposite. Innocence is where humans begin, and they must pass through experience on their way to heaven. One figure from turn-of-the-century literature are prime examples of innocence lost which characterize this idea. Maggie, aut ...

Part two of term paper
... without redemption. Crane allows for the dual existence of innocence and experience but without the catharsis enjoyed by Mamie. Innocence surrounded by experience, but unable to survive there, is the dominant theme of Maggie: A Girl of the Streets. After her little brother's death near the beginning of the story, Maggie exists as the sole example of innocence in the Bowery. Her parents drunken rages and constant fighting are tragic representations of the horrors of experience. Her brothe ...