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Daisy Miller
by Henry James
Daisy Miller is one of the most tragic and vivid literary characters of all time.
Daisy Miller chronicles the complicated courtship of two young Americans. Winterbourne and Daisy first meet at a hotel in Switzerland. Daisy, rich and beautiful, is traveling through Europe with her mother and brother. Winterbourne is also American, but has lived in Geneva most of his life. He is immediately fascinated by Daisy, who is different than the European girls he is used to. She is spontaneous, crass, and improper, but he finds himself charmed by her. Mrs. Costello, Winterbourne’s aunt, so disapproves of the Millers that she refuses to even meet Daisy.
The next winter, Winterbourne goes to Rome to see Daisy, but his aunt tells him that she has become quite popular with several well-known fortune hunters. One suitor in particular, Mr. Giovanelli, has been spending a great deal of time with Daisy, and they are the talk of the American community in Rome. Winterbourne and another woman surrounded by scandal, Mrs. Walker, try to warn Daisy about the consequences of her erratic behavior, but Daisy is stubborn and refuses to listen. She continues to associate with Mr. Giovanelli, and Winterbourne begins to doubt her character and integrity. One night he sees them together at the Coliseum and decides that Daisy is too far-gone and has no self-respect. A few days later, she becomes very ill and quickly dies. Before she passes, she gives her mother a message intended for Winterbourne that declares that she always cared about him, and what he thought of her. He does not understand initially, but after some time goes by, her message resonates.
Daisy Miller is an 1878 novella by highly acclaimed author Henry James. It was immediately popular following its release, and continues to be one of James’s most widely recognized novels. The point of the narrative seems to have lost its edge over time, considering that most of Daisy’s actions are not as shocking in today’s oversexed society. Nevertheless, it remains an enjoyable and memorable read.
Title: Daisy Miller
Author: Henry James
Publisher: Penguin Classics
ISBN: 0140432620
Review written by: Jennifer Kneisley
Reviewer's Rating:10
Reader's Rating: 0
Reader's Votes: 0
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