Daisy Miller

Daisy Miller Summary

Daisy Miller by Henry James is a novella that explores the clash between American innocence and European sophistication. It follows the story of Daisy Miller, a young American woman traveling in Europe, whose free-spirited behavior confounds and scandalizes the expatriate community.

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Daisy Miller Excerpt

Short Summary: Daisy Miller, a young American woman traveling in Europe, defies societal expectations with her flirtatious and unconventional behavior, leading to misunderstandings and ultimately tragedy.

"At the little town of Vevey, in Switzerland, there is a particularly comfortable hotel. There are, indeed, many hotels, for the entertainment of tourists is the business of the place, which, as many travelers will remember, is seated upon the edge of a remarkably blue lake. The shore of the lake presents an unbroken array of establishments, from the 'grand hotel' of the newest fashion to the modest inn with its ancient sign. One of the hotels at Vevey, however, is famous, being distinguished for many years by the patronage of numerous American families.

Winterbourne, who had been two years at Geneva, was amusing himself at Vevey during the month of June. He was some seven-and-twenty years of age; when his friends spoke of him, they usually said that he was at Geneva 'studying.' He determined to beguile the time by making acquaintance with his fellow guests, though he was not a man who habitually 'struck up' friendships. One day, he encountered a young American who spoke enthusiastically about Europe and was eager to learn about 'society.'

At that moment, a striking young woman entered the hotel garden, accompanied by a small boy. Her manner was confident, her laughter unrestrained. The young American beside Winterbourne nudged him and whispered excitedly, 'That’s Daisy Miller! She’s from Schenectady too, but she acts like a European! People don’t know what to make of her.'

Winterbourne studied her with curiosity. She was certainly beautiful, with clear, bright eyes and a radiant smile. There was something refreshingly spontaneous about her, unburdened by social expectations. As she approached, she smiled and asked, 'Are you gentlemen enjoying Vevey?' Winterbourne hesitated before replying, 'Immensely. Though I suspect you are enjoying it far more, Miss Miller.'

She laughed. 'Well, I do like to see new places! And I never let silly rules keep me from having a good time.'

It was the kind of statement that would scandalize the expatriate Americans in Europe. But Winterbourne, instead of recoiling, found himself intrigued. Daisy Miller was unlike any woman he had met before."