Daisy Miller
In Daisy Miller: A Study, Henry James uses the circumstances surrounding the characters to demonstrate how society, at the time, regards the roles of males and females. ... The elite families of the area are especially flabbergasted by the naïve acts of the daughter, Daisy Miller, who constantly likes to “go around” (485). ... The two protagonists, Winterbourne and Miller come from different affluent cultures that do not see European standards eye to eye. ... Daisy becomes the topic of daily gossip among the townspeople, with them knowing her every move. ... Walker, is left to decide how innocent Daisy’s actions are. ... Daisy’s behavior is displayed as untraditional and daring, while the observers fail to judge the character and unknown habits of Winterbourne. ... The first scene in Vevey between Daisy and Winterbourne is quite informal at first, as they are introduced through Daisy’s younger brother, Randolph. ... Meanwhile, Daisy maintains her demeanor, somewhat disinterested, paying more attention to her brother and smoothing “out a knot or two of ribbon” on her dress (471). After much small talk, Daisy’s inhibition evolves into a chattering young girl, showing signs of a flirty personality. ... This is the first sign of the untraditional behavior to follow by Daisy. It becomes very clear through their first dialogue, the differences between Daisy Miller and a typical European girl of her age, let alone an American girl. The irony is shown when Daisy states that she does not even like society in America.