Here is where you’ll post your two required blog comments about Daisy Miller.
First Blog Prompt (due by Sunday, 8/31 at midnight):
You should have read Parts 1 and 2 of Daisy Miller by now. You can respond to one of the two options below, or you can respond to another student’s comments if your prefer. Your comments won’t be graded, but they should be at least 200 words long to receive credit. These comments should be honest reactions–say what you think; ask questions if you want; be informal.
Option 1: Daisy
What does Daisy’s name suggest to you? How are young, unmarried girls expected to behave in late 19th Century society? How does Daisy seem to challenge these social conventions? Do you like Daisy or dislike her? Is she a spoiled and self-centered flirt? Or is she more natural, more free, and maybe even more admirable than her society counterparts? Cite some examples from the book to support your comments.
Option 2: Winterbourne
In the opening description of Winterbourne , we are given hints about an older foreign lady. Why? What is Winterbourne’s background (where was he raised, educated) and how does this affect his character? What does his name suggest to you? How are young, unmarried men supposed to behave in late 19th Century society? Does Winterbourne conform to or reject the values of his society? Do you like Winterbourne or dislike him? Why? Cite some examples from the book to support your comments.
I feel like Daisy’s name really represents her. A daisy is simple and natural, and that’s kind of how she comes across in the book: young and not weighed down by all the social rules.
In the late 19th century, single girls were expected to be really careful about their reputations. They weren’t supposed to go out alone with men, or speak too openly, or act in ways that might make them seem too bold. Daisy isn’t afraid to be herself and isn’t afraid to break the norms.
She goes to the Castle of Chillon with Winterbourne without worrying about having a chaperone, and she talks to people in a way that feels much more casual and free. Some people in the book think she’s just flirty or even spoiled, but I don’t see her that way. To me, she feels more honest and more independent compared to the other women we meet in the book. She actually seems interested in living her life instead of constantly worrying about appearances.
I like Daisy because she feels real. She’s not perfect, but she doesn’t pretend to be someone she’s not. In a society where everyone’s reputation seemed more important than their actual personality, Daisy comes across as genuine, which makes her stand out.
I really like the way you compared Daisy’s name to her personality, I can see how she’s like a flower that grows naturally without being constrained by society rules . I also agree with you that her choice to go to places like the Castle of Chillon without worrying about a chaperone reflects her independence. It’s like she transcends the boundaries of what’s considered “acceptable” for women in her time, and even though people judge her for it, she doesn’t let it bother her.
What stood out to me too is the stark contrast between Daisy and the European women around her. They’re polished, proper, and cautious, while Daisy’s more casual and spontaneous. That contrast emphasizes her liveliness as a character, Even if it leads her to trouble with society’s expectations. I think that’s why people still debate whether she’s reckless or admirable, she brings out something new and uncomfortable for her culture.
I completely agree with you in liking Daisy because she’s genuine. She may not always make the “right” choices, but she feels human, and I think that’s what makes her a fascinating character to follow.
Daisy
The name Daisy suggests someone who is innocent, maybe a little naive, and young. Images associated with daisies are also often linked with purity due to the Snow White color of the petals. Similar to what her name suggests, young girls in the late 19th century are supposed to be very reserved, many are often sheltered, and follow all of the rules of society. They are not supposed to speak to young gentlemen unchaperoned and especially not going on any excursions with young men either. Additionally, many people in high society would have most likely frowned upon Daisy’s enthusiasm and energy with which she conducts her conversations with others and she likely would have been seen as impolite. There were so many rules thrust upon the ways young women should conduct themselves that there is a possibility that Daisy truly didn’t know many of them, or that how she was acting was improper. If Daisy was raised in high society then she would have known from a young age all of the ways to conduct herself. Based on the way Daisy is acting and some comments throughout the beginning of the book, she may not have been raised in high society. When Daisy is speaking to Winterbourne she discusses how much she adores society, and how she visits New York City often to be a part of it. At this point the reader is under the impression that she is well known and wealthy in order to be involved, as well as spending time in Europe. However, when Winterbourne is speaking with Mrs.Costello she remarks how Daisy and her family are common, and that they deny them entry into New York’s high society. New York high society was incredibly exclusive, home to big names like the Astors, Carnegie, and Rothschild and just because a family has money does not grant them access to it. The people with which Daisy is spending her time with may very well be other people who are viewed too common to be welcomed into high society. As a result, Daisy might carry herself in a way that is reflective of the circles that she has been allowed to be in, and not a devious flirt pretending to be naive. I like Daisy’s character, I think she’s fun and more carefree than many other young girls of her time and I think her unique experiences have helped to shape how she interacts with others.
Daisy’s name makes me think of a flower in bloom, which I believe portrays her character perfectly. A flower can only thrive when there is sunlight and air that allow it to grow and live, and Daisy seems to need the same thing from a society and time where women were not meant to be in the spotlight or to speak, act and live as freely as the men surrounding them.
In that age, single women were expected to act modest and obey strict social codes of propriety that Daisy clearly didn’t agree with. From her unchaperoned walks with Winterbourne to her straightforward request to invite her male friend Giovanelli to Mrs. Walker’s party, Daisy defies the conventional behaviors of the women of her time.
I like Daisy for being different than the typical society girls of her time. She may have been a little flirty in her behavior, but she also knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to rock the boat of societal norms. While being a part of society came with its privileges it also came with its handcuffs, and Daisy ultimately had the courage to speak her mind, something that wasn’t overly promoted with women during that time.
Since the beginning of Daisy Miller, it has been continuously expressed that Winterbourne has distinct characteristics of his American heritage contrasting with the home he has made in Geneva, Switzerland. He has absorbed Old World manners and simpleness shown in his polite and measured speech, but he often entertains peculiar and odd situations and opportunities with a humor not found in other Europeans. This blend is visible in his conversation with Rudolph, an outspoken American child, where Winterbourne’s amused patience contradicts the usual European tendency to avoid or judge. This is carried on to his perception of Daisy, as he is amused and interested in her dissent from regular culture, but also holds a judgemental eye in his perplexity with her intentions and motives. Even his name suggests a judgmental attitude and coldness, but he is seen conflicting with this in his curiosity. In the late 19th century, young men were expected to be proper and controlled with their societal worth based on their overall class and respectability. Although he outwardly conforms to this, he hears the gossip and chooses not to protect her from it, but he does worry about her societal image. This can be seen when Daisy spends time with Giovanelli, and Winterbourne seems more concerned with appearances than her actual happiness.
I’m not fully sure how I feel about Winterbourne yet, he’s cautious and unsure for good reasons as he’s been raised this way, but he does have a knack for expressing coldness which makes him less admirable. It is tough comparing him to Daisy as she risks being herself even at the cost of a scandal. I think he may open up, so I guess we will just have to see.
The name Daisy often represents purity, innocence, and youthfulness. A flower that flows freely and carelessly. I found this name to be very fitting with the author’s characterization of Daisy. I took note of how often she was described as “admirably pretty” “innocent” and “agreeable”. I found the overuse of the word pretty much diminished any sense of mystique or charm that would be used to make her feel more intriguing. “She had a charming complexion and the finest eyes” the author says. It was interesting to me that her appearance is not presented very strikingly, it lacked a clear visual description of Daisy. I found her to seem rather plain, and I think through her conversations with Winterbourne, we see how naive and unaware of the world she is. She may not be entirely self centered, but I feel like to some degree she lacks the social skills to connect and converse with people outside of her bubble.
“He says he don’t care much about old castles. He’s only nine. He wants to stay at the hotel. Mother’s afraid to leave him alone and the courier won’t stay with him; so we haven’t been to many places.” Mrs. Miller says. She doesn’t seem interested in immersing herself in the places she visits, they all seem to care more for comfort and convenience rather than exploration. Mrs. Costello is a highly critical European woman who seems to represent high class society. She questions the family’s social status and believes Daisy has poor intentions with Winterbourne. These details give insight into the cultural and social differences that seem to clash in numerous ways.
I’m curious to see how Daisy’s character will unfold as the story continues. As of now I do appreciate her natural and open approach to things. I do think however she is rather naive and unaware of social rules and cultural expectations, which could hinder her from fully engaging with new experiences, and could also put her in vulnerable positions.
Daisy’s name suggests to me a strong parallel with the nature of her behavior characteristics, and her overall personality. A daisy in the literal sense is a wild flower, and wildflowers are adapted to grow anywhere such as Daisy Miller who spent her life in many parts of America and Europe and grew from those experiences while being raised in these different parts. Daisies are also the color of white, historically and subconsciously associated with innocence and purity which further emphasizes the compelling contrast of her personality between free while also maintaining a sort of ignorance about herself. The wildflower she is appropriately named from is also associated with freedom more so than something such as a cultivated rose highlighting the comparison to her free nature, more so than those raised in the same class as her.
These other girls were raised to follow the social expectations of unmarried girls in the 1800’s. There were strict expectations when it came to socializing with men, where social interactions between them were carefully acted upon publicly, politely and inhibited. Daisy challenges these expectations as she is though quite fond of society, she also behaves in a “freer” way with gentlemen friends as she is described as quiet, yet very talkative. She also tends to act more open and flirtatious.
I enjoy the character of Daisy Miller. I think she is a young woman with much experience under her belt from societies in different places. I think it’s not a question of whether she is spoiled or not, she could not help being born to a business man with money. I think the question of any perception of her being “spoiled” comes from her dynamic and potent personality that goes against the social norms that disconcerts those she interacts with, so any correction of her challenges to societal norms is not acted upon therefore she “gets away” with her unorthodox behaviors.
I think Daisy’s name very accurately represents her. When I think of Daisies I think of something that is alive and vibrant, and that is exactly how Daisy is. In the 19th Century, young unmarried girls were supposed to keep to themselves and be rather reserved. They were not supposed to interact with gentlemen unchaperoned, and if they did they were considered flirts and not respectable young women. Daisy challenges all of these social conventions in her interactions with Mr. Winterbourne. Not only does she visit the Castle of Chillon with him alone with no chaperone, but she also interacts with him in a teasing way. The way she talks to Mr. Winterbourne would definitely not be considered ladylike at the time, which is part of the reason he says he is so interested and “puzzled” by her. When she leaves him to go back to her hotel after teasing him about going on the boat she says, “‘I hope you are disappointed, or disgusted, or something!'” (James, 23). I think this interaction represents her playful nature and how she enjoys having a playful back and fourth with Mr. Winterbourne.
I like Daisy because she seems very authentically herself. She is not trying to change her personality to fit into the norms of the time period. She does not mind when people disapprove or stare at her. I am curious to see what happens with Daisy’s character later in the book. Although I like that she is very free and true to herself, these kind of traits could get her in trouble especially considering the way women are expected to act in this time period.
I really agree with your analysis of Daisy’s character. Her name is symbolic of her characteristics, such as her dialogue and actions towards Mr. Winterbourne. These characteristics are what make her stand out from other young girls in society and, from my understanding, are what intrigue Mr. Winterbourne almost immediately. Her strong, carefree personality makes me wonder why Mr. Winterbourne is so compelled by her, instead of being put off, since he seems to hold value for traditional European societal expectations. Along those lines, Mr. Winterbourne does not hesitate to mention Daisy’s beauty, and the constant use of the word “young” to describe her has me thinking whether his intentions are respectable or if he’s only briefly enthralled by her flirtatiousness.
I agree with your assessment of her character in your last paragraph. Especially when you mention the possibility of her getting in trouble. In the novella, we see that this is something Mr. Winterbourne is worried about when they are on the steamboat, when he thinks, “He had been a little afraid that she would talk loud, laugh overmuch…”(James 23), which are things that would draw attention to her. Yet, he doesn’t seem to have a problem with other passengers noticing her beauty, which draws a clear connection to how women were supposed to be perceived in a 19th-century society.
Since the beginning of Daisy Miller, Winterbourne is a reserved and cold character, much reflecting his name. At the beginning of the novella Winterbourne mentions an “older foreign lady.” I think this mentions reveals the boundaries and expectations of the society the Winterbourne operates in. It is a society that uses judgement and appearances to evaluate a person’s reputation and value, which sets the stage for how he views Daisy later. He is an American who was raised in Geneva, his upbringing in Europe is reflected in his behavior and societal expectations. He is often seen as polite, and restrained, while taking pride in being cultured. I think this conflict of his pride of cultures and his conformity to European behaviors affects Winterbournes attraction and pursuit of Daisy. I think he is obviously attracted to her, but he never fully pursues her and judges her through the rigid societal expectations of a young European man. I honestly feel bad for Winterbourne as a character, I believe he’s too passive and caught up in appearances. Due to his cultural awareness he knows he should know to take a stand and make a risk, but he never did.
Option 2: It seems that we are given these hints to suggest that there is an element of impropriety to Winterbourne. The description of his relationship with the older foreign lady seems to imply it is a fairly major scandal, as his friends refer to it only euphemistically saying that he is at Geneva “‘studying’”, while actual details seem to be mostly told by people who dislike him. This is reinforced by the fact that there is no indication of any kind of ‘breakup’ with this woman (though given the time period I’m not sure what exactly the social etiquette would be in this situation) and yet it is made very clear right after this description that this is going to be a story about Winterbourne attempting to court Daisy.
Winterbourne is American in origin, but has extensive connections to the city of Geneva, having gone to school there as a boy, returning there for college, and having lived there for “a long time” by the point that we are introduced to him. This carries the implication that he has a foot in both worlds, as shown when he acknowledges and then disregards the social conventions of Geneva (that young unmarried men do not interact with young unmarried women outside of special occasions) after encountering Daisy. This sense of being part-American, part-European is reinforced by his name, which to me carried the implication of English nobility (also serving as an indicator of his class.)
So far, I haven’t Winterbourne particularly likable, though I get the sense that he isn’t supposed to come off this way and it is more because of the time period the novella is written than an intentional choice of characterization. He seems a little self-centered, and in his thoughts and observations about Daisy there is an element of objectification; not in the sense that he only notices her body, but that there is a level of detachedness. Like he’s just listing the qualities of something inanimate.
To me, Daisy’s name represents something light and almost innocent just like the flower. Her name fits her because she seems young, energetic, and doesn’t seem to follow social rules. In the late 1800s, young single women were supposed to be quiet and protect their reputations, especially around men. They had to follow strict rules, but Daisy doesn’t really do that.
Daisy surprises people from the start by challenging social conventions. In Part I, she’s friendly and open with Winterbourne. She even asked to walk with him soon after they met, which most women back then wouldn’t do. In Part II, she spends time with Mr. Giovanelli in public, and that shocks everyone. Daisy doesn’t seem to care about gossip or what others think. She just does what feels right to her, and that sets her apart.
I personally like Daisy. She doesn’t seem spoiled to me. She does seem a little naive. Even though society sees her as a flirt, she’s actually more honest and genuine than most of them.
When I first heard Daisy’s name, I immediately thought of the flower. Daisies are lively, vibrant, colorful, and free, qualities that perfectly match Daisy’s personality. Throughout parts one and two, she comes across as free-spirited and unafraid to be herself. In part two, for example, Daisy boldly goes out alone in the evening to see the Colosseum in Rome. This was highly unconventional for a young, unmarried woman in the late 19th century, when societal expectations told women that they should always be accompanied by a guardian or relative to protect their reputations. Daisy’s choice to go out with Winterbourne shows that she does not let these social pressures control her. She’s curious, independent, and comfortable making her own decisions, even if it means receiving scrutiny from others.
Daisy also challenges social conventions in other ways, like the way she interacts with men, such as Winterbourne, and participates in social events without appearing self-conscious like many of the other women. Society expects young women to be reserved, polite, and cautious, but Daisy is playful, confident, and sometimes teasing, which makes her stand out from the other women around her.
Personally, I really admire Daisy’s character and personality. Her courage, spontaneity, and refusal to conform are both inspiring and intriguing. She doesn’t let gossip or superficial judgments stop her from living her life or speaking her mind. Daisy’s independence makes her a character who is not just entertaining but also admirable in her defiance of rigid social rules.
Daisy’s name suggests her beauty inside and out, how delicate she is described to be, her innocence, and happiness. It is a very fitting name for her, as Winterbourne describes her after his first impression of her: feminine, delicate, pure, innocent, and beautiful.
Young unmarried girls in the late 19th-century society were supposed to behave innocently, not talk to random men, not go around alone with men, and do most things with their mothers. If they acted any differently, their society would heavily judge them. Daisy challenges these norms because she goes around with many different men and talks to many other men, especially when she walks around at night with a man on each side of her. She is also aware of what people say about her, but it doesn’t make her want to change; she just wants to have fun and keep doing what makes her happy.
I sometimes like Daisy, but I don’t like how she treats Winterbourne. She flirts with many men and leads Winterbourne on by telling him to come to Rome, but then she is occupied with a different man by the time he arrives. She kept saying things to Winterbourne that insinuated she had feelings for him, and then she would go off with another man, which isn’t fair because of the distance he was willing to go for her. She is somewhat free, but when you join someone else’s society, it is polite to abide by some of their beliefs to an extent. She didn’t have to ignore all men, but she could’ve been more secretive about her affairs or a bit more loyal to one man.
When I first read the name Daisy, it gave me the impression of something light, fresh, and almost innocent. A daisy flower isn’t fancy or complicated, it’s simple and natural, and that seems to mirror the way Daisy acts when she’s introduced. She is open, talkative, and doesn’t put on the same formal mask that the other young women in her society seem to wear.
In the late nineteenth century, unmarried women were expected to behave in a very controlled and cautious way. Their reputations were basically everything, and they were supposed to avoid any appearance of impropriety. Daisy doesn’t really follow that script. She goes out with men, spends time in public with them without a chaperone, and overall carries herself with a confidence that seems to ignore the rules. The way she spends time with Giovanelli in Rome is a good example of how she is judged for not fitting into those rigid standards.
I personally like Daisy because she feels more genuine than the people gossiping about her. She may come off as reckless, but she is also free and unafraid of being herself. To me, that makes her more admirable than spoiled. Her character shows the tension between individuality and societal expectations, and I find that conflict really interesting to read.
The name Daisy (which isn’t her real name, so she must have chosen it herself or it was given to her) suggests to me that Daisy is fickle, lively, and maybe even a bit eccentric. In the context of the novel, it seems unmarried girls are expected to be modest, composed, and well-mannered. In contrast, Daisy is very lively and strong willed, and she can come off as shallow or unsophisticated. She also seems to lack social etiquette and is quite flirtatious. I can’t say whether I like or dislike Daisy, but I wouldn’t necessarily say she’s the most likeable character. Her behavior can seem rude or tiresome to certain people, but I think her personality could also be refreshing to some, particularly during this time. I think whether Daisy’s behavior and personality is seen as negative or positive depends somewhat on Daisy’s intentions, which I think are difficult to discern. Daisy’s behavior can be considered rude or unpleasant to some and I wonder does Daisy realize how she comes off to others and continues her behavior despite it, or is she completely ignorant to how she’s perceived by others? And if she is aware of how her behavior affects others, does she either take pride in it or not care, or does it bother her to displease others?
To me, the name Daisy represents youthfulness, innocence, and a bright personality. The flower Daisy is pretty simple, which can resemble Daisy as she’s bright, playful, and spontaneous. Daisy is also not bothered or changed much by European standards and expectations for women. During this time, women were expected to behave in a modest and restrained manner. Daisy certainly challenges this narrative with her free-spirited behavior. Daisy does many things that go against expectations and doesn’t seem to care about the consequences.