Daisy Miller- the Huck Finn of Her Time
Martin
Daisy Miller was not the average young European woman during the 1800’s. Much like Huckleberry Finn, Daisy, coming from America did not want to conform to the norms of European society. She wanted to be her own individual. While reading Daisy Miller there were three common themes that arose which led me to believe that Daisy could be addressed as the female version of Huck Finn. Some of the themes include: the constant search for freedom, rejecting the norms of society, and the uncultured lifestyles that both tried to achieve. Huck Finn was in constant search of freedom beyond schooling and dressing up for Sundays. “The Widow Douglas, she took me for her son, and allowed she would civilize me, but it was rough living in the house all the time, considering how dismal regular and decent the widow was in all her ways; and so when I couldn’t stand it no longer, I lit out.”(pg217) This passage shows me that Huck appreciates what the Widow does for him, he just can’t live in the house all of the time. I believe that Huck is torn between holding on to what little family he has or taking off with the small glimmer of freedom and adventure that lies before him. Much like Huckleberry Finn, Daisy Miller also searched for the freedom. “I don’t like the way you say that, said Daisy. It’s too imperious. I beg your pardon if I say it wrong. The main point is to give you an idea of my meaning. The young girl looked at him more gravely, but with eyes that were prettier than ever. I have never allowed a gentleman to dictate to me, or interfere with anything I do.” (pg.526) This passage can demonstrate all three themes mentioned above. Unlike the European culture and expectations of those around her, Daisy has a free spirit. She does not want to
Martin
be controlled by her mother, society, or any male suitor she may encounter along the way. Similarly to Huck Finn, I think Daisy enjoys time spent with her mother and brother, but also enjoys the freedom of not
Daisy Miller was not the average young European woman during the 1800’s. Much like Huckleberry Finn, Daisy, coming from America did not want to conform to the norms of European society. She wanted to be her own individual. While reading Daisy Miller there were three common themes that arose which led me to believe that Daisy could be addressed as the female version of Huck Finn. Some of the themes include: the constant search for freedom, rejecting the norms of society, and the uncultured lifestyles that both tried to achieve. Huck Finn was in constant search of freedom beyond schooling and dressing up for Sundays. “The Widow Douglas, she took me for her son, and allowed she would civilize me, but it was rough living in the house all the time, considering how dismal regular and decent the widow was in all her ways; and so when I couldn’t stand it no longer, I lit out.”(pg217) This passage shows me that Huck appreciates what the Widow does for him, he just can’t live in the house all of the time. I believe that Huck is torn between holding on to what little family he has or taking off with the small glimmer of freedom and adventure that lies before him. Much like Huckleberry Finn, Daisy Miller also searched for the freedom. “I don’t like the way you say that, said Daisy. It’s too imperious. I beg your pardon if I say it wrong. The main point is to give you an idea of my meaning. The young girl looked at him more gravely, but with eyes that were prettier than ever. I have never allowed a gentleman to dictate to me, or interfere with anything I do.” (pg.526) This passage can demonstrate all three themes mentioned above. Unlike the European culture and expectations of those around her, Daisy has a free spirit. She does not want to
Martin
be controlled by her mother, society, or any male suitor she may encounter along the way. Similarly to Huck Finn, I think Daisy enjoys time spent with her mother and brother, but also enjoys the freedom of not