Daisy Miller: Is She Ahead of Her Time?

The clash of American innocence and European tradition is prevalent through Henry James’ Daisy Miller. The uncharacteristic behavior of Daisy originally began as harmless fun. However, the power of her flirtation and involvement with Roman gentlemen spiraled out of control for her. Her views were modern not innocent. She saw nothing wrong with being out late at night with gentleman not because she didn’t know better but simply because she felt other people were to “stiff” to realize that there is nothing wrong with enjoying the company and friendship of a gentleman wherever and whenever. She is doing what young teenage women do best, breaking the rules and not conforming. American meant nothing except maybe she wasn't as in tuned to the European ways as a female born and raised within the environment would be. She seemed fun, interested in the land she was immersed in and simultaneously bored with what she had at the present. She felt she was missing out 'back home' where traditional activities differed for a girl her age on a new continent. Becoming more isolated from those who care about her, a poor decision