The story revolves around Daisy Miller, an American girl traveling with her father in Europe. She is young, beautiful and carefree, but also naive and lacking in social refinement. Daisy's behavior is often misinterpreted by the other characters, particularly a young man who becomes infatuated with her. He sees her as innocent and pure, while others view her as flirtatious and promiscuous. As Daisy navigates the complexities of European society, she faces criticism and judgment from those around her. Her father's lack of social standing and her own American background contribute to their isolation and exclusion from high society. The story explores themes of cultural differences, social class, and the constraints placed on women during this time period. Through Daisy's experiences, James critiques the societal norms that govern behavior and relationships in Europe during the late 19th century.
By Henry James · First published 1878 · Genre: Novella, Realism, Psychological Fiction · 2 chapters