Independence And Self-Expression Analysis

The concept of Independence and Self- Expression During the nineteenth century, writers like Henry James and Kate Chopin write about women who are depressed and suppressed. Daisy Miller and The Awakening are representations of beautiful and well-dressed women who are in a state over a discontent. These two works picture the life of the Anglo-Saxon bourgeoisie. Daisy and Edna are forced to respect the traditional cultural structures. They are shaped to perform their domestic role. In American literature, Daisy and Edna can be seen as transitional fictional women from object to subject position. Feminist critics emphasize that the reason of Edna and Daisy’s suicide is the social controls. American womanhood is defined by freedom, independence, and

The society treats Daisy as a person in a group, and she should be like other women. Her community does not recognize her personality as an individual. It recognizes her according to the social norms of femininity. Winterbourne describes how Daisy is a beautiful girl. He says, “American girls are the best girls" "How pretty they are." Winterbourne identifies Daisy as a group rather than an individual. Winterbourne mentions the word" the best" which shows his opinion about all girls. According to Winterbourne and the social prescriptions, all girls should perform femininity successfully and behave in a good manner. Further, men do not appreciate Daisy’s behavior, and the Aristocratic women do. For example, Mrs. Walker tries to prevent Daisy from walking with Mr. Giovanelli. Mrs. Walker says, "You are old enough to be more reasonable. You are old enough, dear Miss Miller, to be talked about. " According to Mrs. Walker, Daisy is not a good woman because she does not perform the role of women. Mrs. Walker suggests Daisy to walk with her