Daisy Miller is a powerful social commentary that considers the ideologies of transplanted Americans residing in Europe. At the end of the 19th century, the United States emerged as a political and economic power. Wealthy Americans, eager to create their own elite society, adopted the well-established customs of the European aristocracy. In fact, several of the wealthiest families settled in Europe to refine their mimicry and distinguish themselves from their contemporaries. Daisy Miller examines how the European ideology of etiquette is adopted by upper-class Americans and then transformed into a rigid reality that persecutes the ill-mannered main character James until his demise. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Literary theorist Louis Althusser suggests: “Ideology represents the imaginary relationship of individuals to their real conditions of existence” (294). Thus, etiquette as an ideology is not, inherently, a system that physically governs the actions and thoughts (essentially the existence) of its adherents. However, an ideology is capable of transcending its traditional limitations when an individual chooses to attribute a measure of material existence to it (Althusser 296). This is the case with Daisy Miller. Winterbourne, Ms. Costello, Ms. Walker, and Ms. Miller all see the label as more than an empty ideology. They let their adopted system of European etiquette dictate their actions and structure their lives. In fact, everyone has endowed the label with a material existence. On the other hand, Daisy Miller gives no credence to borrowed European ideology. Instead, Daisy claims that European etiquette is “rigid and unreasonable”. Throughout the novella, Daisy tirelessly strives to maintain her independence from these social conventions. According to Lisa Johnson, “She [Daisy] breaks up rather than comply with social demands” (Johnson 42). Rather than conforming, Daisy delights in pointing out the absurdity of the label. She argues that the system of manners is nothing but bigotry (Johnson 48). His decisive rejection of traditional European etiquette results in his ultimate isolation from society. Readers first learn about Daisy's disregard for traditional decorum during her first exchange with Winterbourne. While observing the elegant Miss Miller from afar, Winterbourne reminds us that a gentleman rarely has the social freedom to approach an unmarried woman. Nevertheless, intrigued by Daisy's beauty, he decides to risk rejection by talking to her. Ready to meet a shy, shy girl, Winterbourne is surprised by Daisy's confidence. It is revealed: “It became evident that she was very disposed to conversation” (6). Both delighted and shocked, Winterbourne considers the possibility that the talkative Daisy is a flirt. This rather presumptuous insult is a consequence of Daisy's disregard for traditional social etiquette. In late 19th century European society, the idea of ​​an unchaperoned young woman "chatting" with a gentleman (in full view) was completely unacceptable. Although he benefited from Daisy's misstep, Winterbourne classifies Daisy as a flirt. To be called flirtatious/flirty in European society is to be called a whore in American society. While flirting is a perfectly acceptable form of playful (sexual) banter in American society, it is considered a vulgar blunder in European society (Fogel 60). Winterbourne informs Daisy of this fact at Mrs. Walker's party: “Flirting is a purely American custom; it doesn't existhere” (45). However, even by American standards, readers are inclined to join Winterbourne in questioning Daisy Miller's innocence. Brazenly meeting up with recent male acquaintances and asking to be paddled to remote Chillon Castle about two hours before midnight is questionable behavior to say the least. Interestingly, these concerns about innocence reveal the double standards embedded in Western thought. Why aren't American readers concerned about Winterbourne's unquestionable promiscuity? Perhaps American readers, too, are so absorbed in an outdated ideology that they agree with Ms. Costello: "Of course one man can know everybody [sic]." Men are welcome for this privilege! (28). Without doubt, Mrs. Costello has given social etiquette (as an ideology) an extremely rigid and persecutory material existence. She insists to Winterbourne that Millers are terribly common and that it is her social duty to reject them. In response to a request from Winterbourne to accept Daisy, Mrs. Costello asserts: “I cannot, my dear Frederick. I would if I could, but I can’t” (13). Ms. Costello allowed an ideology to become her restrictive reality. Unfortunately, adopting this ideology has far more serious consequences for the “terrible” Daisy Miller. Daisy's intimate relationship with Eugenio, Miller's courier, is yet another unforgivable misstep identified by Mrs. Costello. Disgusted, the chattering matron says: “They treat the courier like a familiar friend, like a gentleman. I shouldn’t wonder if he dines with them” (14). Obviously ignorant of European society and etiquette, the Millers rely heavily on Eugenio for advice and guidance. For example, Eugenio informs Daisy that it would not be "suitable" to accompany Winterbourne on a rowboat ride an hour before midnight. However, it is far more inappropriate by European standards for the Millers to regard their servant as a gentleman deserving the slightest deference. Additionally, Mrs. Costello reports that Eugenio smokes in the evenings while lounging in the garden with the Millers. For a servant to smoke lying down in front of his employers is a deplorable offense to European etiquette. Winterbourne concludes that Daisy is uneducated and “rather wild” (14). Once again, James emphasizes that Mrs. Costello and Winterbourne give the European ideology of etiquette material (real) existence. Most significant and dramatic is Daisy's refusal to accede to Mrs. Walker's entreaties to board her car, abandoning the screaming Giovanelli. label error in the novel. By parading down the street with a “fake gentleman,” Daisy risks ruining her already tarnished reputation. Delighted to have such a gentleman by her side, Daisy foolishly ignores Mrs. Walker's admonitions. Mrs. Walker, concerned, warns: “You are old enough to be more reasonable. You are old enough, dear Miss Miller, to be talked about” (39). It is completely unacceptable for a young, single woman to be seen in the company of a lower-class Italian man heading towards the Pincio (Fogel 62). Therefore, Mrs. Walker passionately strives to dissuade Daisy from continuing her crude escapade. Finally, in a moving retort to Mrs. Walker's scolding, Daisy responds, "I've never heard anything so harsh!" If this is inappropriate, Mrs. Walker...then I am very inappropriate and you must abandon me” (40). . In this dramatized scene that leaves tears in the eyes of a frustrated Mrs. Walker, Daisy candidly communicates her tragic flaw. Because Daisy refuses to adhere to the system.