Daisy Miller saw its first publication in a magazine in 1878. One year later, in 1879 it was published in a book form. I first read Daisy Miller when I was a student and I took an instant liking to it. I would say
that Daisy Miller is a great introduction to Henry James. This book is not only
shorter, but also less complex than other works of his that I have read. However,
it bears a close resemblance to his novels and explores similar themes. Having
previously read The Portrait of a Lady, I found it hard not to compare the two.
Moreover, while I was reading Daisy
Miller I experienced, perhaps predictably, a feeling of déjà vu.
Annie Miller aka Daisy is, just like Isabelle the heroine of his novel The Portrait of a Lady, an American girl visiting Europe for the first time. We could say that both girls are ‘discovering’ not only Europe but themselves for isn’t there something about travel that can make us open our eyes? One could argue that travel always makes us compare and revalua…
Annie Miller aka Daisy is, just like Isabelle the heroine of his novel The Portrait of a Lady, an American girl visiting Europe for the first time. We could say that both girls are ‘discovering’ not only Europe but themselves for isn’t there something about travel that can make us open our eyes? One could argue that travel always makes us compare and revalua…