English 015 - Americans Abroad
Sexual Limitations
Sexual Limitations
Category: 02B: Roman Fever | Ross Stern
When traveling, Americans often feel at liberty to abandon their behavioral limitations. For some, this abandonment leads to exposed chest hair, Hawaiian shirts, and gaudy hats; however, for others, this abandonment leads to something much more intense, much more serious. The latter case is expressed in Edith Wharton’s Roman Fever, and later echoed in Henry James’s Daisy Miller. Both of these stories suggest that, when in Italy, Americans often forget about sexual decorum, and succumb to the passion, romance, and lust that the land is known for.
Roman Fever depicts two women whose attitudes and behavior are completely altered by their surroundings in Italy. When described living in New York, these women appeared to have all the “correct” mannerisms of the high society. Mrs. Slade is described as being, “awfully brilliant” and “extremely dashing”(753). Mrs. Ansley is “charming,” “distinguished,” and “exquisite” (751). However, once in Rome, all decorum is abandoned; Mrs. Ansley is impregnated by Mrs. Slades fiancée in the Coliseum. This would not have happened in New York society; the risks would have been too great. However, in Italy, the land of romance, prominent Americans abandoned their behavioral limitations.
Daisy Miller has a similar lapse in decorum while in Rome, a lapse that is justified by Winterbourne: “when you deal with natives you must go by the custom of the country” (62). Nevertheless, Daisy is seen, “Flirting with any man she can pick up; sitting in corners with mysterious Italians; dancing all the evening with the same partners; [and] receiving visits at eleven o’clock at night” (55). These events are described as “monstrous,” but Daisy still feels entitled to partake in them because she is not in America.
Roman Fever echoes Daisy Miller’s portrayal of American behavior in Italy. Both stories display the sexual freedom that Americans feel entitled to in foreign lands.
Posted by on September 22, 2003 at 01:08 PM