Consciousness of Woman's Autonomy in James' Daisy Miller

Abstract

Women have got the secondary position in the patriarchal society and due to the lack of consciousness and knowledge of their status they are happy with it. But some of them are gaining the consciousness of their woman's autonomy and do what is needed for their independent life which is exemplified in Henry James' novella Daisy Miller. Some characters follow the patriarchal norms and values whereas Daisy Miller fights against the patriarchal society so as to get freedom and liberty. Miller's ways of behaving, treating gentlemen and visiting different places at night are unexpected in the patriarchal society which makes her a scandal, an outrage and a heart breaker. But social judgements do not touch her because all judgements are based on patriarchal norms, values and standards which fail to understand her. Rather she creates her own moral fibre and standards to judge her activities. James through this novel shows that defiance of the patriarchal society by female character who is motivated by her growing consciousness of woman's autonomous life.