Daisy Miller by Henry James Theme Analysis (Free Essay Sample)

There are distinct differences between how ladies were supposed to act in 1878 and how they act now in 2022. Morals and views of American culture are constantly changing between generations. Henry James represented the new American culture alongside European culture through characters in “Daisy Miller: A Study”. Daisy is young, naive, innocent, self-centered, unaware of social distinctions, and unwilling to adapt to others' mores and standards. Daisy is frequently portrayed as a symbol of American culture expected to live by European customs. 

The Millers were constantly traveling throughout Europe, giving them a broad perspective on various European cultures. Daisy was able to have a very large society and meet new people with different morals as a result of an expanding society. Henry James writes with the concept of American innocence in mind, implying that many Americans lack a basic understanding of how the world works, as well as an ignorance of the unspoken rules and morals that govern people's behavior in polite society. He also discusses Daisy Miller's European experiences and her encounters with those who thought her ways were wrong and scandalous in the culture

Daisy Miller, a scandalous American girl, was the complete opposite of how Europeans were portrayed as cautious. Her carefree, dishonorable attitude contradicted the guarded and mindful norms of European society. Her untroubled attitude caused a conflict between the two cultures in which she was living. In European culture, it was strange for a young woman to freely talk to a gentleman they had just met. In the book, it says, “Poor Winterbourne was amused, perplexed, and decidedly charmed. He had never yet heard a young girl express herself in just this fashion; never, at least, save in cases where to say such things seemed a kind of demonstrative evidence of a certain laxity of deportment” (James 349). This attitude of being a carefree and open woman confused Winterbourne as she talked differently than the other women he had known and during the time it was unusual. Daisy acting differently from women known to Europe led him to believe that she was only innocent and had not known the European ways. 

Daisy appeared to be completely devoid of any sense of propriety in European society. Daisy was untaught in the proper ways ladies were expected to demonstrate in the European culture as traditional and modest. Although she had some idea of proprietary, she was improper to speak to men freely and go along with them by herself. These untaught acts came to light when her mother, Miss. Miller was introduced and in the same way uncareful. Miss. Miller did not seem to care that Daisy had freely talked to Winterbourne and had planned to see the castle. After the announcement that Daisy would go to the castle with Winterbourne, the book explains, “Daisy’s mother looked at him in an instant askance, and then walked forward in silence. Then—“I guess she had better go alone,” she said simply. Winterbourne observed to himself that this was a very different type of maternity from that of the vigilant matrons who massed themselves in the forefront of social intercourse in the dark old city at the other end of the lake” (James 356). Mrs. Miller was fine with Daisy going alone with Winterbottom which raises the point that she had not taught her the careful and cautious ways of a young lady. Daisy and her mother were alike in American innocence. Most Europeans could not figure out how or why the Millers acted this way. 

A lot of things such as talking to Winterbourne alone and taking a walk in the garden alone with Giovanili were unusual for a young woman of that time period to do. It would ruin the reputation of this young girl's innocence. Daisy was reluctant to think she had done anything wrong. She did not conform to the social norms and was so self-concerned, she had not listened to anyone. Mrs. Walker had tried several times to stop Daisy from doing such absurd things. Henry James writes, “Mrs. Walker was flushed; she wore an excited air. “It is really too dreadful,” she said. “That girl must not do this sort of thing. She must not walk here with you two men. Fifty people have noticed her.” (James 367). Mrs.Walker was very concerned about how Daisy would appear to people after making such poor decisions yet, Daisy did not seem to care what people thought about her. 

Daisy's portrayal of an uncaring sense that she doesn't care what other people think demonstrates Daisy's reluctance to adapt to any cultural boundaries. She did whatever she had wanted to do. Daisy did not think that she had to live by the social norms of the places she visited. She claimed, “I never heard anything so stiff! If this is improper, Mrs. Walker,” she pursued, “then I am all improper, and you must give me up. Goodbye; I hope you’ll have a lovely ride!” and, with Mr. Giovanelli, who made a triumphantly obsequious salute, she turned away” (James 369). She had not responded well to being told that she needed to get into the carriage with Mrs. Walker and stop walking alone with the gentlemen. Daisy had no shame at all being seen as scandalous and flirty as she did not care how the people of Italy saw her. 

Being flirtatious and disgraceful gave Daisy a symbol of freedom and her own thoughts. As a visitor to Europe, one should follow the cultural rules and regulations for the respect and values of the native Europeans. Her actions should have been restrained by Rome's standards when she went, but she met so many gentlemen and treated them freely. Daisy Miller refused to let anyone tell her what to do or interfere with her plans. The book says, “ …They are only pretending to be shocked. They don’t really care a straw what I do. Besides, I don’t go round so much.” (James 377 ). She believes that the European Americans don’t care about her actions and they are not judging her. Daisy's defiance of European customs demonstrates that she did not want to be held accountable for her actions and she would do as she pleases without worrying.  

In the book problems between Daisy and other Americans that were adapted to European culture arose as they judged her for her scandalous ways. The people tended to disagree with her ways. They stopped inviting her to parties and gatherings as they only saw her flirt with the Italian men. She values uniqueness, whereas European Americans do not. They believe their worth is greater than that of others, and that everyone must adhere to their standards or face social exclusion. Daisy said; “...People have different ideas! It would have been most unkind; he had been talking about that walk for ten days” (James 371-372).  Mrs. Walker appears to believe that dropping Mr. Giovanelli is acceptable, but walking with him is not. Daisy despises that notion, and she is offended when Mrs. Walker and Winterbourne ask her to join them in the carriage. She believed people had their own opinions and ideas that not everyone was formed to the culture of European Americans. 

Henry James seems to desire to draw a clear line between American and European culture. He was adamant about not fusing the civilizations together. He separates Daisy and Winterbourne in order to portray their respective cultural values. According to James, European culture cannot influence American culture. The importance of American culture was greater than that of European culture. As a result, Henry James separates two civilizations in Daisy Miller, rather than mixing them. It demonstrates that two cultures may coexist peacefully in one town as long as they respect each other.