In James’s “Daisy Miller,” it is interesting to think about the symbol of the daisy flower. It is definitely a complex and multi-layered element that I am still trying to figure out. I do think James must have meant for this to be understood with a deeper complexity. At first, the daisy appears to most obviously represent Daisy Miller herself, paralleling a sense of innocence, a kind of simplicity, and perhaps even a bit naiveté. Like the flower, Daisy herself is beautiful and almost unassuming, and is very charming to those around her with her natural grace and liveliness. This depiction of her aligns with the initial impression of Daisy as a very carefree and unspoiled American girl, untouched by some of the constraints of European society. At the same time though, I wonder if the daisy can also be seen as a symbol of Daisy’s vulnerability and fragility. Just like a fragile daisy flower can be easily picked, wilted, or crushed, in the end Daisy’s character is unable to withstand the social expectations and norms of the European aristocracy. The fact that she refuses or in some ways is simply unable to conform to these expectations, is what ultimately leads to her tragic downfall, which seems somewhat similar to what might happen to a flower when it comes in contact with a strong force. Most of all, I do admire the way Daisy is defiant and independent, and remains true to herself despite the warnings from those around her. She has a rebellious spirit and refuses to be confined by societal standards, and constantly is shifting and evolving, which all seem like qualities that could also be understood through the symbol of a flower. Through its various interpretations (just a few of which I have made predictions about, though I’m certain there are more) the daisy serves as a powerful symbol, and its depth highlights the depth and complexities of Daisy’s character and the challenges she faces in navigating the social hierarchy of Europe in the 19th century.
Daisy
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I also found it interesting that her nickname was Daisy. Although, I wonder if the reason she was called Daisy wasn’t because of her character, but also because of how people perceived her. Ms. Miller always seemed content to explore and wonder, and to never actually be in any actual danger except for that other projected on to her situations due to their notions of her fragility. Of course she died in the end, but its doubtful that the reason behind her death was actually Roman fever from going on a late night walk. People int his period simply didn’t have much decent medical knowledge and it was much easier for Winterbourne to blame her death on the man that stole her affections from him, although one can argue if he stole her versus was actually kind to her leading her to make a good choice. Thus, Daisy could have died of anything, and it wasn’t a walk that killed her. People simply saw her as a woman and therefore as weak, hence as a Daisy.
Hi Kaitlin!
I enjoyed reading your analysis of Daisy’s name. It is interesting that Randolph stresses to Winterbourne that Annie P. Miller is her true name and not Daisy. The name Daisy represents that idea of a woman that Winterbourne wishes for: someone who needs protection and is dependent on a man. A line that struck me when reading was when Winterbourne imagined Daisy as an “image of a very pretty girl looking out of an old Roman window and asking herself urgently when Mr. Winterbourne would arrive” (James, 26). Winterbourne pictured Daisy to be more troubled in his absence. While he perceives her as being delicate like a Daisy, she is not what he first idealizes her to be just as her name is not truly Daisy.
Expanding on all these insightful comments on Daisy’s nickname, a daisy typically symbolizes purity and innocence. This aligns with the idea that the name “Daisy” reflects society’s expectations for the young woman, which contrast starkly with Winterbourne, his aunt, and Ms. Walker’s frequent characterizations of Daisy as “vulgar.” I would go so far as to say that Winterbourne relentlessly attempts to position himself as the sun in Daisy’s world, a notion supported by the story’s narrative situation in itself: The first-person from Winterbourne’s perspective situates him as the protagonist, rather than the titular woman, Daisy. At the end, Winterbourne’s attribution of Daisy’s death to “Roman fever–” supposedly caught during her late-night walk with Giovanelli (an Italian, or “Roman” man) seems to reflect his perception of himself as Daisy’s ‘sun:’ for following her rejection of Winterbourne’s attention and presence indicated by her line, “I don’t care…whether I have Roman fever or not!”, Winterbourne would like to believe that Daisy cannot live without him. Finally, the sun image seems amplified by the recurring theme of the moon, consolidated at the end when Randolph speculates, “You can’t see anything here at night, except when there’s a moon. In America there’s always a moon!” I wonder if this is simply an allusion to the feminine moon that foils the masculine sun, or if James is making a broader statement about the disparity between societal norms/the place of women in Europe and in America?
Hi Kaitlin! I really liked your post! I feel like Daisies in literature are often symbols of innocence, joy, and fragility. They are often very feminine as well, which I feel suits the character of Daisy Miller. However, I also really liked Erin’s comment that the name Daisy represents the idea of her and what people want from her, whether or not she is able to meet that expectation.
Hi Kaitlin,
This is a really interesting comparison! I think a daisy embodies Daisy’s character very impressively, to the point where it almost seems intentional. Like a daisy, Daisy’s character is also fragile and vulnerable considering that James decided to kill her off. However, something curious to think about: when one daisy dies, there still exist daisies in the world. The death of one won’t cause the extinction of all the rest. In the context of the story, although Winterbourne is affected by Daisy’s sudden death, he recuperates rather quickly and moves onto the next “very clever foreign lady.” Despite being infatuated with Daisy, the independent American foreigner, Winterbourne realizes that there are other “daisies” in the world, and moves on to chase the next one.
– Siena Rose