Maturity Innocence, the underlying important theme of Plainsong. In this novel, innocence is diminished in both negative and positive ways. These factors, furthermore how these characters react to the loss of innocence, creates effortless empathy and connection. Ike and Bobby, the most obvious case of corruption in the story are as young as nine and ten years old; yet they have endured more than most can fathom. They begin the story as standard children: they wake up deliver papers, do chores, and go to school. What differentiates them from the average adolescent is that their mother is obviously depressed and fighting with their father. They have no indication of what may be wrong with her, and as they visit her in the dark and desolate