Daisy Miller: A Study

The story centers on Daisy's interactions with Winterbourne a young American expatriate who becomes fascinated by her. Daisy is open friendly and unchaperoned which makes her the subject of gossip among the European upper class. Her behavior which seems innocent to her is perceived as improper by others especially by Winterbourne's aunt who labels Daisy as a flirt and a social misfit. Despite his growing attraction to Daisy Winterbourne struggles with his feelings torn between his admiration for her independent spirit and the societal pressure to conform to European norms. The tragic culmination of the novella occurs when Daisy's reputation is irreparably damaged leading to her isolation and untimely death highlighting the consequences of challenging societal expectations in a rigidly stratified world.