Towards the middle of the book, the Miller family has moved to Rome, Italy. Previously, when Winterbourne and Daisy were saying their goodbyes, Daisy asked Winterbourne if he would come visit her in Rome and he promised he would try his best. Well, his aunt has moved to Rome and Winterbourne came to visit her again and his aunt proceeds to tell him that the Millers are there as well. She also has some new news about Daisy, “The young lady, however, is also intimate with some third-rate Italians, with whom she rackets about in a way that makes much talk” (James 32). I knew I did not like Daisy Miller. This book was written in the late 1800s and relationships between people were not displayed publicly, and this is why people are talking about Daisy with such a negative regard. Daisy is so naive, sometimes, that it makes me angry. She does not realize that people are talking about her, nor does she care. She is a girl from America, so already she has the reputation of being a flirt and by associating herself with this Italian does not help her one little bit.
I am wondering if this points to a theme against how nations perceive one another? Clearly, Daisy is not making a respectable reputation for American women. The Italians are surprised and disturbed by the fact that she just comes to their country and flounces around with every guy she meets. Is James trying to make the make the point that Americans are stubborn and only wish to do that they desire? Or maybe Americans do not have self-respect
for themselves. I am hoping this is not how other countries view Americans. Maybe it is. If they look at us in this way, then we need to address this reputation. Perhaps it was just the view of people in James’ time? These are all questions that intrigue me. But so far, the major themes of this book appear to be about countrie’s relations to one another, societal status, and young women and men in love.
Once Winterbourne learns of the news that Daisy is being pursued by other men, he immediately sets out and searches for her. How stupid of him. I mean really, if she is playing all of these guys, would she not treat Winterbourne in the same way? I am just making an assumption here, but I know Winterbourne is a lot smarter than this. A friend of Winterbourne and Daisy took notice of Daisy’s actions and said in confidence to Winterbourne, “It is really too dreadful. That girl must not do this sort of thing. She must not walk here with you two men. Fifty people have noticed her “ (James 41). I really like this quote, because at this point, Mrs. Walker and I seem to be sharing the same views. Daisy has so much going for her and she is throwing it away by acting extremely flirtatious.
I am predicting that there will be some consequences for Daisy’s actions in the future. This girl needs more self respect and her mother does not even notice. She thinks it is perfectly fine for Daisy to be running around any time of the day with Mr. Giovanelli, considering the fact that Mr. Giovanelli has a reputation with the ladies of Rome. Oh dear, this does not appear to be turning out well. I must say I enjoy this novella very much. It is very similar to Austen’s works. James seems to give it his own twist though, causing it to be more interesting and addicting for the reader.
I am wondering if this points to a theme against how nations perceive one another? Clearly, Daisy is not making a respectable reputation for American women. The Italians are surprised and disturbed by the fact that she just comes to their country and flounces around with every guy she meets. Is James trying to make the make the point that Americans are stubborn and only wish to do that they desire? Or maybe Americans do not have self-respect
for themselves. I am hoping this is not how other countries view Americans. Maybe it is. If they look at us in this way, then we need to address this reputation. Perhaps it was just the view of people in James’ time? These are all questions that intrigue me. But so far, the major themes of this book appear to be about countrie’s relations to one another, societal status, and young women and men in love.
Once Winterbourne learns of the news that Daisy is being pursued by other men, he immediately sets out and searches for her. How stupid of him. I mean really, if she is playing all of these guys, would she not treat Winterbourne in the same way? I am just making an assumption here, but I know Winterbourne is a lot smarter than this. A friend of Winterbourne and Daisy took notice of Daisy’s actions and said in confidence to Winterbourne, “It is really too dreadful. That girl must not do this sort of thing. She must not walk here with you two men. Fifty people have noticed her “ (James 41). I really like this quote, because at this point, Mrs. Walker and I seem to be sharing the same views. Daisy has so much going for her and she is throwing it away by acting extremely flirtatious.
I am predicting that there will be some consequences for Daisy’s actions in the future. This girl needs more self respect and her mother does not even notice. She thinks it is perfectly fine for Daisy to be running around any time of the day with Mr. Giovanelli, considering the fact that Mr. Giovanelli has a reputation with the ladies of Rome. Oh dear, this does not appear to be turning out well. I must say I enjoy this novella very much. It is very similar to Austen’s works. James seems to give it his own twist though, causing it to be more interesting and addicting for the reader.
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