The Clash of Conventions in Henry James' "Daisy Miller"

The following essay will examine the clash of conventions in Henry James’ novella “Daisy Miller”. In this story the reader is confronted with the new American way of life and the old European one. This collision of two completely different worlds leads inevitably to problems. On the one hand there is Europe with its correctness and customs, the old conventions and its moral values. On the other hand we have America which stands for naivety and spontaneity.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• The Clash of Conventions in Henry James' “Daisy Miller”
• The Discrepancy Between European and American Values
• Daisy Miller and Mr Winterbourne
• Mrs Miller and Mrs Costello

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay examines the clash of social conventions in Henry James' novella "Daisy Miller," focusing on the conflict between American and European values. The story explores the differences in behavior, customs, and expectations between the two societies.

• The contrast between European and American social norms and values
• The portrayal of Daisy Miller as a representative of American naivety and spontaneity
• The depiction of Mr. Winterbourne as a figure embodying European formality and propriety
• The contrasting roles and attitudes of Mrs. Miller (American) and Mrs. Costello (European)
• The consequences of cultural misunderstandings and clashing social conventions

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The essay begins by analyzing the discrepancy between European and American values, highlighting the strictness of European conventions and the perceived freedom and naivety of American behavior. The focus then shifts to Daisy Miller and Mr. Winterbourne, contrasting their contrasting personalities and perspectives.

The essay further explores the clash of conventions through the characters of Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Costello, emphasizing their contrasting approaches to motherhood and social interactions. It examines how their different values and behaviors contribute to the conflict between the two cultures.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This essay focuses on the theme of social conventions, exploring the clash of cultures between American and European societies. Key themes include: social norms, cultural differences, naivety versus sophistication, innocence versus experience, and the consequences of social prejudice.

Details

• College: University of Stuttgart
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Kerstin Köck (Author)
• Publication Year: 2007
• Pages: 6
• Catalog Number: V1216218
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346642134
• Language: English
• Tags: clash conventions henry james daisy miller