Henry James

Melanie Freeman

English 48B

February 17, 2009

Henry James: Daisy Miller: A Study

The setting and way of life described in Henry James' fiction is much like the lifestyle he lead himself; privileged, wealthy, educated and of high society.  Born in New York City in 1843 with a wealthy business man as a father, Henry was able to experience the highest quality of life.  His ultimate goal was to be a "literary master" by European standards, however he did not reach the height of his popularity until after his death.  James spent the majority of his life in Europe, where he was also educated as a young man.  The time he spent in England gave him the opportunity to observe the behavior of Americans in Europe, recorded in one of his earliest works, Daisy Miller: A Study.  This work was highly scandalous for its time and was banned in American for many years for its shocking portrayal of the behavior exhibited by an American woman.  

"He said to himself that she was too light and childish, too uncultivated and unreasoning, too provincial, to have reflected upon her ostracism or even to have perceived it.  Then at the other moments he believed that she carried about in her elegant and irresponsible little organism a defiant, passionate, perfectly observant consciousness of the impression she produced" (424).

Summary:

At this point in the story, Winterbourne's infatuation with Miss Daisy has reached its height.  They have both been living in Rome for some time and Miss Daisy's relationship with Giovanelli appears to have become more serious.  The two spend every minute of the day together and Winterbourne feels he has become more distanced from the girl he admires more than ever.  Although James does not portray Winterbourne as a jealous man, one can determine he is becoming thoroughly frustrated by Daisy's actions.  He attempts to understand the motives of this woman but becomes increasingly perplexed as he attempts to analyze this "American girl".

Response:

As Winterbourne reflects over his impression of Miss Daisy in his head, it is clear that he has as much difficulty reading her as he did the moment he met her.  His contradicting descriptions illustrate the warping effect this women has had on his mind.  Although Winterbourne has a great deal of respect to the rules of society he has learned in Europe, I believe there is something in Daisy's carefree attitude that attracts him.   

On one hand, Winterbourne represents the rest of the upper society who judges Daisy for her improper behavior.  Although he may like her, Winterbourne admits that she is "a young person of the reckless class".  Winterbourne often finds himself feeling protective of Daisy, wishing she would act more lady-like or at least become aware of the image she is projecting.  He is often criticized for being attracted to Daisy by his aunt and Mrs. Walker because of her behavior, and finds himself frustrated for being caught in this dilemma. 

Alternatively, Winterbourne also shows a form of respect for the level of self- confidence Miss Daisy has.  He often gets the impression that she is well aware of the image she portrays and simply doesn't care what others think of her.  By freeing herself from the confines of society's standards, Daisy is able to have the experiences she desires.  To Winterbourne, who has always obeyed society's rules, this idea is strange yet attractive.  He somewhat envies Daisy's state of mind and finds it makes her much more alluring.

Throughout the entire story Winterbourne changes his impression of Daisy repeatedly.  She is to him, an oxymoron or a very complex puzzle.  Her behavior is scandalous by the standards of the European elite, yet her charisma is undeniable.  Her ability to brush off the criticism or perhaps remain completely unaware of it is a quality he learns to admire the closer he becomes with Daisy.