Daisy Miller Loss Of Innocence

In the short story, “Daisy Miller”, by Edith Wharton, a common obsession is found with the status and respectability of the characters presented in the story. Edith develops this obsession as a theme that is supported by European and American ideals, character’s viewpoints, and character’s actions in the story “Daisy Miller”. The theme of status and respectability is largely developed by the ideals of the society found within Daisy Miller. The story originates in Switzerland and then later goes on to take place in Rome. In each of these cities, the story implies that status is highly regarded and that the society looks down upon certain unrespectable behaviors. The European societies of Daisy Miller watch and titter over the apparent reckless behavior of this young girl, as this behavior is not acceptable to the upper class. Daisy Miller, as viewed by the European society, a reckless, flirtatious, and imprudent girl, who does not heed societal standards. Her most
She must not walk here with you two men. Fifty people have noticed her.” Winterbourne raised his eyebrows. “I think it’s a pity to make too much fuss about
Winterbourne is highly aware of Daisy’s dishonorable reputation that she gains in the European, especially Roman society, and continuously notes how she falls on the societal scale. Mr. Winterbourne’s obsession with how Daisy Miller is perceived in their society is an important part of what carries the theme of respect and status throughout the short story. Mr. Winterbourne not only perceives Daisy Miller’s affect on society but also debates with himself the reasons behind her dishonorable actions. “He asked himself whether Daisy’s defiance came from the consciousness of innocence, or from her being, essentially, a young person of reckless class.” In instances such as this, Mr. Winterbourne continuously seeks to rationalize why Daisy dishonors herself through such reckless