Daisy Miller A-Study

by Henry-James

Daisy Miller is a novella by Henry James that first appeared in Cornhill Magazine in June–July 1878, and in book form the following year.It portrays the courtship of the beautiful American girl Daisy Miller by Winterbourne, a sophisticated compatriot of hers. His pursuit of her is hampered by her own flirtatiousness, which is frowned upon by the other expatriates when they meet in Switzerland and Italy.
Annie "Daisy" Miller and Frederick Winterbourne first meet in Vevey, Switzerland, in a garden of the grand hotel,[2] where Winterbourne is allegedly vacationing from his studies (an attachment to an older lady is rumoured). They are introduced by Randolph Miller, Daisy's nine-year-old brother. Randolph considers their hometown of Schenectady, New York, to be absolutely superior to all of Europe. Daisy, however, is absolutely delighted with the continent, especially the high society she wishes to enter.

Winterbourne is at first confused by her attitude, and though greatly impressed by her beauty, he soon determines that she is nothing more than a young flirt. He continues his pursuit of Daisy in spite of the disapproval of his aunt, Mrs. Costello, who spurns any family with so close a relationship to their courier as the Millers have with their Eugenio. She also thinks Daisy is a shameless girl for agreeing to visit the Château de Chillon with Winterbourne after they have known each other for only half an hour. Two days later, the two travel to Château de Chillon and although Winterbourne had paid the janitor for privacy, Daisy is not quite impressed. Winterbourne then informs Daisy that he must go to Geneva the next day. Daisy feels disappointment and chaffs him, eventually asking him to visit her in Rome later that year.

In Rome, Winterbourne and Daisy meet unexpectedly in the parlor of Mrs. Walker, an American expatriate, whose moral values have adapted to those of Italian society. Rumors about Daisy meeting with young Italian gentlemen make her socially exceptionable under these criteria. Winterbourne learns of Daisy's increasing intimacy with a young Italian of questionable society, Giovanelli, as well as the growing scandal caused by the pair's behaviour. Daisy is undeterred by the open disapproval of the other Americans in Rome, and her mother seems quite unaware of the underlying tensions. Winterbourne and Mrs. Walker attempt to persuade Daisy to separate from Giovanelli, but ....

Genres: Classics

89 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2019

Reviews

[Théo d'Or]

The first Henry James read leaves me with a confused impression, but that, maybe, only because of the uncertain ending. Otherwise, I'd say that the story has enough valuable ingredients, such as complex characters, exploration of cultural clashes, stylistic elegance, satire and social commentary, exploration of female agency, and finally, an open-ended interpretation. Daisy is a prime example of à character with layers of complexity, despite of a first impression of an impulsive and naive American woman, who can be seen in a grating or one-dimensional light. Her openness and ease with socializing with different people, regardless of their class or background contrasts with the European characters' adherence to societal hierarchies. As a style, HJ can captivate the interest with his vivid descriptions of European settings, such as the infamous Colloseum in Rome or the picturesque gardens in Vevey, Switzerland.
Anyway, the ambiguity and inconclusive ending of the story allows readers to interpret the characters and their motivations in different ways. HJ' deliberate choice to leave questions
unanswered can frustrate those looking for a neatly tied conclusion, though. But literature is subjective, and the varied opinions surrounding " Daisy Miller " only could add to the richness of the discourse and individual interpretation. And as a possible another "flaw" , James' propensity for extensive description and internal musings can slow down the pacing of the story, making it less accessible for readers seeking à more concise and fast-paced narrative.
Fortunately, it's not my case, as long as I'm a fan of Balzac, another maniac of descriptions of the human interior.

[Chloe Salveson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wonder if Winterbourne’s struggle reveals James’ critique of how women like Daisy can/could be reduced to sex objects by societal conventions even when they are not behaving sexually at all… also who the heck is the narrator??

[Lenne Veireman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sure.

[Zoe B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book was entertaining and humorous, especially considering when it was written. I appreciated the defiance and sass from Daisy Miller, but she is quite frustrating and annoying. I think the love story was very odd especially making her die at the end. Interesting novella.

[Marisa C · Rating 4 out of 5]

If not for my college composition class, I would never have read this book. While it is something I would not have picked out to read, it was very enjoyable. I am glad I was introduced to this wonderful piece of literature.

[Misza M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read it for a class but I enjoyed it better than I thought I would. I liked the chemistry between Daisy and Mr. Winterbourne. It was a fun romantic read considering when it was written.

[Saralyn]

Another read along with "Reading Lolita in Tehran."

[Mole Mann · Rating 3 out of 5]

See my review on the main page for Daisy Miller (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...) for more on this

[Laura McKenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.75 - I read this for school and then wrote a heated paper about it.

[Becky · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bleh. I suppose it may have been good 130 years ago.