Who Daisy Miller is
Daisy Miller is a confident young woman travelling through Europe with her mother and her outspoken younger brother, Randolph Miller. At a hotel in Vevey, she meets Frederick Winterbourne and talks freely to him without waiting for an introduction. He finds her charming, but her ease with a stranger puzzles him.
What Daisy Miller wants
Daisy wants to see the sights and enjoy company without treating every meeting as a test of respectability. She eagerly plans a visit to the Castle of Chillon with Winterbourne, seeing no problem when her mother declines to join them. Her freedom rests on her belief that honest intentions leave her nothing to hide.
Daisy Miller and the others in the story
Winterbourne is drawn to Daisy, yet he keeps measuring her behaviour against the standards of his social circle. His aunt, Mrs Costello, refuses to meet the Millers and condemns Daisy's readiness to make acquaintances.
In Rome, Daisy spends time with Mr Giovanelli, a handsome Italian whom she calls a perfect gentleman. Mrs Walker tries to persuade her to leave him and enter her carriage, but Daisy refuses to be guided this way. As disapproval grows, Daisy feels its sting, even when she hides her hurt with laughter.
Questions
Where is Daisy Miller from?
Daisy comes from Schenectady in New York State and travels in Europe with her family.
How does Winterbourne feel about Daisy Miller?
Winterbourne admires Daisy and enjoys her company, but he cannot settle his doubts about her respectability.
Is Daisy Miller innocent or reckless?
James leaves that judgment open. Daisy appears honest and without calculation, while also disregarding the social rules around her.