Daisy Miller facts for kids
Henry James by John Singer Sargent, 1913
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| Author | Henry James |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Novella |
| Publisher | Harper & Brothers |
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Publication date
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1879 |
| Media type | |
Daisy Miller is a short novel, also called a novella, written by Henry James. It was first published in 1879. The story is about a rich, outgoing young American woman named Daisy Miller. She travels to Europe and acts in ways that surprise and sometimes upset the Europeans she meets. They have different ideas about how young women should behave. Daisy is seen as an outsider. Sadly, she gets a fever during a visit to the Colosseum in Rome and dies.
This story was a huge success when it came out. It is still one of Henry James's most well-known works today. The book was even made into a movie starring Cybill Shepherd.
Contents
What is Daisy Miller About?
Daisy Miller tells the story of a young American woman named Daisy. She is traveling through Europe with her family. Daisy is very friendly and independent. She enjoys meeting new people, especially young men. However, her behavior is different from what Europeans expect from young ladies at that time.
Meeting Frederick Winterbourne
The story begins in Vevey, Switzerland. Here, Daisy meets a sophisticated American man named Frederick Winterbourne. He has lived in Europe for a long time. Winterbourne is interested in Daisy. But he is also confused by her free-spirited ways. He tries to understand if she is truly innocent or if her actions are too bold.
Life in Rome
Later, the story moves to Rome, Italy. Daisy continues to behave as she always has. She spends a lot of time with an Italian man named Giovanelli. This causes a lot of gossip among the American and European people living in Rome. They believe Daisy's actions are not proper for a young woman. They start to avoid her.
Daisy's Choices
Daisy does not seem to care what others think. She continues to enjoy her freedom and friendships. She doesn't understand why people are judging her so harshly. Her choices lead to her being left out by the society around her.
The Tragic Ending
Despite warnings, Daisy visits the ancient Colosseum at night. This place is known for having unhealthy air, especially after dark. She catches a serious fever and becomes very ill. Sadly, Daisy dies from the fever. Before she passes away, she sends a message to Winterbourne. She wants him to know that she was not as bad as people thought.
Why is This Story Important?
Daisy Miller explores the differences between American and European cultures in the late 1800s. It looks at ideas about innocence, freedom, and social rules.
American vs. European Culture
Daisy represents the new, independent spirit of America. Europeans, and even some Americans living in Europe, represent older, stricter social customs. The story shows how misunderstandings can happen when different cultures meet. Daisy's direct and open nature clashes with the formal rules of European society.
Themes in the Novella
The story also looks at themes like:
- Freedom: Daisy wants to be free to act as she chooses.
- Judgment: How people judge others based on their behavior.
- Innocence: Whether Daisy's actions are truly innocent or if she is just unaware of social rules.
- Social Rules: The strict rules that society placed on young women at the time.
About Henry James
Henry James was an important American writer. He lived much of his life in Europe. Many of his stories, like Daisy Miller, explore the lives of Americans living abroad. He often wrote about the differences between American and European ways of life. He was known for his detailed writing style and his focus on the inner thoughts and feelings of his characters.
See also
In Spanish: Daisy Miller para niños
