English 015 - Americans Abroad
A European Abroad
A European Abroad
Category: 01B: Daisy Miller | Zac Milner
Although it takes place in Switzerland, the first two chapters of Daisy Miller focus on an “American watering-place” (3). With the exception of the Courier—who thrives on sucking up to Americans—every character in Daisy Miller is indeed from the States. Winterbourne, however, is completely out of touch with American society. He struggles to understand its mores, for, as his aunt says, “[he has] lived too long out of the country [and is] sure to make some great mistake”(22). Despite his American heritage, Winterbourne is essentially a “European Abroad” in the mini-America that is Vevey.
Twain attempts to escape his American heritage when he is abroad, but he cannot shake it completely: “here we are in beautiful France… and to think of this skinny veteran intruding with her vile English…”(63). Twain is truly an American Abroad: soaking things in, trying to fit in, and sneering at that which repulses him. Winterbourne, on the other hand, is an American trying to rediscover aspects of his former homeland.
The idea of a first-time visit abroad as opposed to a lifetime spent overseas—the disparity between a character so in touch with his American colleagues and audience and a character that has “lost the right sense for the young American tone”(15) will be an interesting theme to follow.
--Zac
Posted by on September 15, 2003 at 03:53 PM