Daisy Miller

Definition

Daisy Miller is a novella written by Henry James, published in 1878, that tells the story of an American girl traveling in Europe who defies social conventions. Through Daisy's interactions with the European elite, the story explores themes of innocence, cultural differences, and the conflicts between American and European societal norms during the period when many American writers were living and working in Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Daisy Miller is often seen as a critique of European social conventions and the restrictive nature of high society.
2. The novella is set in various locations including Switzerland and Italy, which reflects the cultural backdrop that influences Daisy's character.
3. Daisy's character symbolizes the clash between innocence and societal expectations, as she navigates her relationships with other characters like Winterbourne.
4. The story highlights the differences between American and European values, particularly concerning freedom, propriety, and social behavior.
5. Daisy's ultimate fate raises questions about judgment, morality, and the consequences of being perceived as unconventional in a rigid society.

Review Questions

• How does Daisy Miller embody the cultural contrasts between America and Europe during the time of her travels?
  • Daisy Miller represents the naive yet spirited American character that often clashes with the more restrained and formal European social norms. Her behavior, which includes a carefree attitude and open interactions with men, stands in stark contrast to the expectations of propriety upheld by European society. This dynamic serves to highlight not only Daisy's individuality but also the broader theme of how different cultures view freedom and social conduct.
• Discuss how Henry James uses Daisy's character to critique societal expectations in both American and European contexts.
  • Henry James crafts Daisy Miller as a lens through which readers can examine the restrictive nature of societal expectations on both sides of the Atlantic. While Daisy's seemingly innocent behavior challenges European norms, it also exposes flaws within American values regarding womanhood and independence. James uses her character to reveal how societal pressures can distort personal relationships and lead to tragic outcomes when individuals defy accepted roles.
• Evaluate the significance of Daisy's fate in relation to the themes of innocence and societal judgment presented in the novella.
  • Daisy Miller's fate is significant as it encapsulates the harsh consequences of societal judgment on individuals who do not conform to expected norms. Her tragic ending serves as a poignant commentary on how innocence can be perceived as a threat by a judgmental society. Through this outcome, Henry James critiques not only the inflexible standards set by society but also raises questions about morality, autonomy, and the price one pays for challenging conventions, thus enriching discussions around identity during this transitional era for American expatriates in Europe.

Related terms

Henry James: An American author known for his novels and stories about the psychology of characters, often focusing on the contrast between American and European societies.

Realism: A literary movement that aimed to represent everyday life and society as accurately as possible, often addressing social issues and character psychology.

Expatriate: A person who lives outside their native country, particularly used to describe American writers and artists who settled in Europe during the late 19th century.