Journal #1: The short story Daisy Miller by Henry James intrigues me in various ways, such as the implication of a black and white world when Randolf is comparing American and European societies. This theme is further represented during Winterbourne’s observant and analytical episodes. He compares and contrasts the characteristics that European and American females portray in society’s norms. Through these recurrences of black and white ideological comparisons, I was reminded of a similar resemblance within The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and his illustration of “new money” versus “old money,” which also occurs within Daisy Miller. Moreover, I find it perplexing that Winterbourne’s aunt, Mrs. Costello, says that Daisy Miller is attracted to the courier Eugenio. This makes me question the intentions behind Daisy’s actions of repetitive signs of …show more content…
Although there has been nothing particularly romantic happening between Winterbourne and Daisy Miller, he still hopes for signs of interest from her. This makes me wonder if he is captivated by a spontaneous yet unstable lifestyle. Throughout the short story, Winterbourne remains to be interested in Daisy, especially her mysteriousness and beauty despite her “vulgar” behavior. Furthermore, despite being warned about the “Roman fever,” or malaria, Daisy Miller portrayed no signs of changing her plans to meet with her friend Mr. Giovanelli. This leads to Winterbourne’s questioning her motives while at the same time being attracted to her. After meeting up with Mr. Giovanelli, Winterbourne regards Giovanelli as not a “proper gentleman” and thinks of him as being inferior. I don’t understand why Winterbourne judges Giovanelli so harshly without knowing him in depth while he trusts and is attracted to Daisy’s