"
Daisy Miller" is a short novel by Henry James, published in 1879. It's a judgmental conflict between physical appearances
and what's inside the heart.
Rich and young American girl,
Daisy Miller, is touring Europe with her mother and younger brother, Randolph. The expatriate American community interprets her innocence and lack of concern for social conventions as being immodest and too forward. She is ostracized by the American community wherever she went in Europe, in particular, in Switzerland and Rome.
In Switzerland, in the resort town of Vevey, Frederick
Winterbourne, a young American who has lived in Geneva most of his life, meets Daisy. Winterbourne finds Daisy lacking in finesse and manners, and yet wonderfully spontaneous. He agrees with the expats' judgement on Daisy, but is also attracted by her charmed innocence. His aunt, Mrs. Costelo, disapproves of any dealings with the Millers. However, Daisy and Winterbourne are able to spend some time visiting the local tourist attractions.
When the Millers go to Rome, Winterbourne goes there to meet up with Daisy. However, he is disappointed to find that she has been "socializing" with other men who are just after fortune. In particular, Daisy takes up with a handsome Italian suitor, Mr. Giovanelli, who Winterbourne finds questionable. Mr. Giovanelli is handsome but has no social position and whose background is uncertain. The American community in Rome, like the American community in Vevey, is also scandalized, especially Mrs. Walker of Rome's fashionable society. No matter how much Daisy is warned about her behavior, she can't be bothered and stubbornly refuses to listen. She spends more time with Mr. Giovanelli.
One night, Winterbourne came home from a dinner party and decides to pass by the Coliseum and enjoy it by moonlight. He discounts the bad night air that causes the known "Roman fever" which is a term for malaria. He finds Diasy there with Mr Giovanelli. Concerned with Daisy's health, he scolds Daisy for her "lack" of social decorum. He also reproaches Mr. Giovanelli and urges him to ensure that Daisy gets home safely to her hotel. In a way, Daisy is hurt by Winterbourne's reaction.
Eventually Daisy contracts malaria, and in a week, she dies. Before dying, she is able to give a message to her mother for Winterbourne, saying that she does care for what he thinks about her.