Daisy Miller is a powerful social commentary that considers the ideologies of transplanted Americans residing in Europe. During the late 19th century, the United States emerged as a political and economic power. Wealthy Americans, eager to create their own elite society, embraced the established mores of the European aristocracy. In fact, many of the wealthiest families moved to Europe to refine their mimicry and distinguish themselves from their contemporaries. Daisy Miller examines how the European ideology of etiquette is adopted by high-society Americans and subsequently transformed into a rigid reality that haunts James's rude title character until his death. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Literary theorist Louis Althusser suggests, “Ideology represents the imaginary relation of individuals to their real conditions of existence” (294). Thus, the label as an ideology is not, inherently, a system that physically governs the actions and thoughts (essentially, the existence) of its adherents. However, an ideology is capable of transcending its traditional boundaries when an individual chooses to assign it any measure of material existence (Althusser 296). This is the case of Daisy Miller. Winterbourne, Ms. Costello, Ms. Walker and Ms. Miller see the label as more than idle ideology. They allow the adopted system of European etiquette to dictate their actions and structure their lives. Indeed, each of them endowed the label with a material existence. In contrast, Daisy Miller gives no credence to borrowed European ideology. Daisy instead claims that the European label is "rigid and unreasonable". Throughout the tale, Daisy is relentless in her effort to maintain her independence from such social conventions. According to Lisa Johnson, “She [Daisy] breaks rather than bends to social demands” (Johnson 42). Rather than conform, Daisy enjoys pointing out the absurdity of the label. She argues that the system of manners is mere bigotry (Johnson 48). His decisive rejection of traditional European etiquette results in his definitive isolation from society. Readers are first introduced to Daisy's contempt for traditional decorum from her first exchange with Winterbourne. Observing the elegant Miss Miller from afar, Winterbourne reminds us that a gentleman rarely has the social freedom to approach an unmarried woman. However, intrigued by Daisy's beauty, he decides to risk rejection by talking to her. Prepared to meet a shy and timid girl, Winterbourne is surprised by Daisy's confidence. It turns out, “It was evident that she was very open to conversation” (6). Both delighted and shocked, Winterbourne contemplates the possibility that the talkative Daisy is a flirt. This rather presumptuous insult is a consequence of Daisy's poor social etiquette. In late 19th century European society, the idea of ​​an unaccompanied young woman "chatting" with a gentleman (in full view of everyone) was completely unacceptable. Despite taking advantage of Daisy's misstep, Winterbourne classifies Daisy as a flirt. To be labeled a flirt/flirt in European society is to be labeled a whore in American society. While flirting is a perfectly acceptable form of playful (sexual) banter in American society, it is considered a vulgar gaffe in European society (Fogel 60). Winterbourne informs Daisy of this fact at Mrs. Walker's soiree: "Flirting is a purely American custom; it does not exist here" (45). However, even by American standards,readers are inclined to join Winterbourne in questioning Daisy Miller's innocence. Brazenly meeting up with recent male acquaintances and asking to be rowed to the remote Chateau de Chillon about two hours before midnight are questionable behavior to say the least. It is interesting to note that these concerns about innocence reveal the double standards ingrained in Western thought. Why don't American readers care about Winterbourne's unquestionable promiscuity? Perhaps even American readers are so consumed by an outdated ideology that they agree with Ms. Costello: "Of course one man can know them all [sic]. Men are welcome to this privilege!" (28). Undoubtedly Mrs. Costello has granted social etiquette (as an ideology) an extremely rigid and persecutory material existence. He insists to Winterbourne that the Millers are terribly common, and it is his social duty to reject them. In response to Winterbourne's request to accept Daisy, Mrs. Costello states, "I cannot, my dear Frederick. I would if I could, but I cannot" (13). Ms. Costello allowed an ideology to become her restrictive reality. Unfortunately, adopting this ideology has far more serious consequences for the "terrible" Daisy Miller. Daisy's intimate relationship with Eugenio, Miller's courier, is yet another unforgivable misstep identified by Mrs. Costello. Disgusted, the gossiping matron states, "They treat the courier like a familiar friend, like a gentleman. I wouldn't be surprised if he dines with them" (14). Obviously ignorant of European society and etiquette, the Millers rely heavily on Eugene for guidance and advice. For example, Eugene warns Daisy that it would not be "proper" to take Winterbourne on a rowing boat ride an hour before midnight. However, it is far more improper by European standards for the Millers to regard their servant as a gentleman deserving of the slightest deference. Mrs. Costello also reports that Eugenio smokes in the evening while relaxing in the garden with the Millers. For a servant to smoke while lying down in front of his employers is a deplorable offense against European etiquette. Winterbourne concludes that Daisy is uncultured and "rather wild" (14). Once again, James emphasizes that both Mrs. Costello and Winterbourne offer the European ideology of etiquette a material (real) existence. etiquette error in the novel. By parading down the street with a "false gentleman", Daisy risks ruining her already tarnished reputation. Elated to have such a gentleman by her side, Daisy foolishly ignores Mrs. Walker's warnings. The worried Mrs. Walker warns, "You are old enough to be more reasonable. You are old enough, dear Miss Miller, to be talked about" (39). It is completely unacceptable that a young, unmarried woman is seen in the company of a lower middle class Italian while walking towards the Pincio (Fogel 62). Therefore, Mrs. Walker makes a passionate effort to dissuade Daisy from continuing her rough outing. Finally, in an emotional response to Mrs. Walker's reproach, Daisy responds, "I never heard anything so stiff! If this is improper, Mrs. Walker...then I am quite improper and you must give me up" (40) . . In this dramatized scene that leaves tears in the eyes of the frustrated Mrs. Walker, Daisy candidly communicates her tragic flaw. Because Daisy refuses to adhere to the European system of etiquette, she is rejected by supporters of the ideology and abandoned by society. Despite Mrs. Walker's seemingly genuine concern for Daisy's reputation, the astute reader should realize that the passionate matron's pleas are fueled by more selfish motivations. . As a rich American who.