When it comes to Alice in Go Ask Alice, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between her innocence and her immaturity because they're so intertwined. She's possibly one of the most sheltered, naïve, blindly gullible teenagers to ever exist—either that, or she's really good at fooling herself into that state, because man, she thinks gullible is written on the ceiling.
This state of innocence (and loss thereof) plays a huge role in the young adult cautionary tale genre because it's essential for the character to remain sympathetic. Watching someone's decline into sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll is only interesting if they're somewhat unable to take responsibility for their bad decisions. Otherwise, they're just kind of loathsome.
Questions About Innocence
- Where would you pinpoint Alice's loss of innocence? Why would you argue this as the definitive moment?
- Alice's innocence is tied to her youth and immaturity. How would this book be different if she were older and less naïve?
- Would you say Alice regains her innocent status at the end of the book? Is it possible, or is innocence unobtainable once lost?
Chew on This
Alice's innocence is an integral part of the story because it is her loss of innocence that makes the story compelling.
If Alice had died before she regained her "victim" status, her death wouldn't be nearly as tragic.