Daisy Miller the Early Feminist

Henry James’s “Daisy Miller” immediately came to my mind, as it would present an interesting study for the feminist literary critic. One of my favorite books, it features the story of a young Daisy touring Europe and defying social expectations and norms.
Written by a male an analysis of the work would fall under Elaine Showalter’s category of Feminist Critique with an obviously male perspective. In fact, the story is interestingly, related through the male narration of Winterbourne. Therefore, the reader is directly privy to the stereotypes and womanly societal expectations that run through this male protagonist’s head. Winterbourne points out and is shocked by Daisy’s purposeful violation of cultural women expectations. For example, despite chastisement Daisy continues to walk un-chaperoned with male companions. Winterbourne is struck by her unabashed flirting. Winterbourne’s shock highlights what was, obviously conventional expectations. Daisy therefore is a progressive feminist.
Henry James published this work in the late 1800s, before the feminist movement was underway. Daisy is aptly dubbed a New Women, the forerunner to the college bound, cigarette-smoking women that will soon follow in the coming decades.
I think it is a point of interest to note that James has Daisy suffer a tragic and premature death. Perhaps James was aware that Daisy was too much ahead of her time and her feminist urgings would inevitably fail. Alternatively, perhaps James subconsciously wanted to kill the impending feminist movement.
James’s purposeful choice of a conservative male narrator is meant to horrify the reader by Daisy’s behavior. Furthermore, Winterbourne’s opinions are shared and articulated by other characters as well. Daisy the aspiring feminist faces many adversaries. Nevertheless, Daisy remains resolute. Winterbourne and the other societal bending figures constantly reprimand her and she is unapologetic and unyielding. In this regard Daisy is an exemplary model for future generation feminist advocates.