Literary Annotation #1

Barnett, Louise K. "Jamesian Feminism: Women In 'Daisy Miller'." Studies In Short Fiction 16.4 (1979): 281. Academic Search Complete. Web. 21 Sept. 2012.

Louise Barnnet discusses gender roles and society’s oppression upon women in James’ “Daisy Miller.” The story explores the restrictions that society has placed upon European women and continuously tests them through the main character Daisy. As the young American challenges rules by openly walking with strange men without a chaperone, Mrs. Costello, Winterbourne’s aunt moves in the opposite direction. She seeks a reclusive life away from the restraints of society and her maternal role with her older children and their families. Daisy continues to be the most stubborn and independent of “James’ many freedom-seeking heroines, a resister of patriarchal authority.” He contrasts her want of freedom with the imprisonment of the other ladies in their insignificant social circles.  Through this view, James set up society rich with characters of all personalities, each one struggling with their own societal conflict. By contrasting Daisy with the other bitter and oppressed characters like Mrs. Costello, Mrs. Walker, or even insecure Mrs. Miller one can understand the importance of not following the strict rules of society. Despite Daisy’s outcome, she was able to spend her time living free of criticism and enjoying life.