This study is a content analysis on the novelette entitled Daisy Miller written by Henry James. The objectives of this study are to reveal and describe the values of European society related to women’s existence, Daisy Miller’s performances which are not appropriate with the values in the society, and the patriarchal society’s responses to her performances.udThis study applies a descriptive qualitative approach. The phenomena that are described are the values of European society related to women’s existence, Daisy Miller’s performances which are not appropriate with the values in the society, and the patriarchal society’s responses to her performances in James’ Daisy Miller. The data were classified and analyzed based on the theory of radical feminism developed by Elaine Showalter. The validity and reliability were obtained using credibility and dependability.udThe discussion of this study shows that the European culture as reflected in James’ Daisy Miller is patriarchal. The social values related to women’s existence demand women to have attractive physical performance, be dependent, be powerless and obedient, follow the manner of the society, have committed relationship, and be responsible for nurturing children. Daisy Miller does not take for granted the social values of the society she dwells in. For her, society is not always right. It tends to limit her social range as an adult person, especially as a woman. Thus, she keeps aware by setting her own values and implementing them in such performances as being independent, having straightforward speech, having uncommitted intimate relationship with the opposite sex, and being disobedient. Daisy’s performances inevitably incite some inconvenient responses from the society. She inevitably becomes the object of gossiping. The gossips are mostly about her physical appearance and also her manner which are not appropriate with the customs and values of the society. In further, the gossips even lead to criticizing. She has to deal with people who indicate her faults in a disapproving way. Those people criticize her relationship with the opposite sex and her characteristic of being arrogant and stubborn. Ultimately the society responds to her performances with rejection. Refusing to meet, interact, and socialize with Daisy are the actions of the society that indicates rejection. In these cases, Mrs. Costello and Mrs. Walker unconsciously behave on behalf of patriarchal tyranny in administering sexual discipline to other women.
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