Daisy Miller
"Daisy Miller" by Henry James is a fascinating story of an unsuccessful love story. The reasons for this tragic conclusion reflect the story's central themes of cultural difference and the enduring conflict between the individual and society. The differing standards that regulate social conduct in America and Europe, especially as regards the proper comportment of women, are evident throughout the work. Are themes anyone, anywhere on this planet can relate too. For example, Daisy lacks the reserve of European women in her dealings with men. She is a deft flirt who sits in corners with mysterious men, dances all evening with the same partner, and receives visits at eleven o'clock at night. While these behaviors might not be condemned in America, they create a scandal among Daisy's European acquaintances. Raised in an America, which allowed women greater autonomy in dealing with the opposite sex, Daisy had no qualms about expressing her desire for male companionship.Additionally, Daisy transgressed European social norms by associating with people of lower classes, including chambermaids and couriers. Daisy treated her courier like he was part of the family,
Because of her treating servants with the respect and courtesy to which their humanity entitles them, she became the object of mean-spirited gossip. Winterbourne is an excellent foil to Daisy on this point. He cares too much about what society thinks, especially his Aunt Mrs. Walker thusly: "If this is improper, than I am all improper, and you must give me up. Costello tells him all about Daisy's exploits, her going out with several men, receiving visitors late at night, etc. All are quick to judge Daisy, but few do so much as exchange words with her. In the end, Winterbourne's attention to social norms and Daisy's indifferent violation of these norms prevents the two of them from being together. Daisy understands that being rude simply for the sake of social conformity would be inappropriate, and she accordingly responds to Mrs. If they had taken the time to do so, however, they would have discovered that Daisy was actually quite innocent. But are her acts really that spontaneous? All I can really say is that Daisy stayed true to herself and refused to change herself to please others. Once again, Daisy challenges society's rules. Remind you that these people never exchanged a word with her, never gave her the respect she deserves. She refuses to alter her behavior merely to satisfy the defenders of an exclusive culture to which she does not belong. Apparent!ly, in Europe during this time, they never heard the phrase "Don't judge a book by its cover. In the end, however, neither of these sacrifices proved possible, and Daisy dies before she and Winterbourne could discover a common ground in which their love could take root.
Common topics in this essay:
Daisy Costello,
Additionally Daisy,
Daisy Daisy,
America Europe,
Henry James,
Ultimately Daisy's,
Raised America,
Costello Costello,
Winterbourne Geneva,
Winterbourne Daisy,
respect courtesy,
social norms,
european women,
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