Daisy Miller: A Study is a novella that tells the story of Winterbourne’s interesting and often perplexing encounters with the lovely Daisy Miller. Daisy Miller is a flirtatious and charming American lady, who enjoys being adored by the company of gentlemen. Winterbourne struggles with his affections for Daisy, because he is unsure of her motives. Unfortunately for winterbourne, Daisy dies of illness brought on by her reckless behavior. Henry James delves deep into the ideals and standards of high society. He highlights the importance of reputation during the mid-19th century. Subsequently, Daisy is seen as almost being tainted as a result of her willingness to brake normal social norms.
Daisy is referred to as flirtatious, “innocent” and “unsophisticated” by Winterbourne (427). …show more content…
Descriptions of Daisy often focus on her foolishly innocent nature. Winterbourne often calls Daisy “pretty” when referring to her appearance (424). Pretty is often used to describe people who are young and attractive. It often reminds me of spring and blossoming flowers. It is not just Winterbourne who sees the youth and vibrancy of Daisy’s appearance and nature, but she also sees it herself. Her name isn’t actually Daisy. Daisy’s real “name is Annie P. Miller” (425). I think this is an important because Daisy embraces her youth and beauty, by taking the name Daisy. She is comparing herself to the beauty and innocence of a flower. Many of Daisy’s friends appreciate her innocence, and are drawn in by her charm. In time though, they are often repulsed by the recklessness of her behavior; and no longer willing to accept her foolish innocence, as justification for her behavior. In the high society she is no longer seen as a beautiful flower, but rather a weed that must be pulled. As a result, she is ostracized and rejected by all but the “Gentlemen Society” (426) and
Daisy is referred to as flirtatious, “innocent” and “unsophisticated” by Winterbourne (427). …show more content…
Descriptions of Daisy often focus on her foolishly innocent nature. Winterbourne often calls Daisy “pretty” when referring to her appearance (424). Pretty is often used to describe people who are young and attractive. It often reminds me of spring and blossoming flowers. It is not just Winterbourne who sees the youth and vibrancy of Daisy’s appearance and nature, but she also sees it herself. Her name isn’t actually Daisy. Daisy’s real “name is Annie P. Miller” (425). I think this is an important because Daisy embraces her youth and beauty, by taking the name Daisy. She is comparing herself to the beauty and innocence of a flower. Many of Daisy’s friends appreciate her innocence, and are drawn in by her charm. In time though, they are often repulsed by the recklessness of her behavior; and no longer willing to accept her foolish innocence, as justification for her behavior. In the high society she is no longer seen as a beautiful flower, but rather a weed that must be pulled. As a result, she is ostracized and rejected by all but the “Gentlemen Society” (426) and