Daisy Miller

Historical Context and Significance

«Daisy Miller» by Henry James is a novella published in 1878 that explores themes of cultural differences and social norms through the story of a young American woman traveling through Europe. The book became a significant milestone in literature as it raises questions about the clash between American and European cultures, as well as the role of women in society. James uses the character of Daisy Miller to show how prejudices and societal expectations can affect personal freedom and identity. The novella had a considerable impact on the development of psychological realism in literature and was one of the first works where James explores the theme of 'Americans abroad,' which later became a key theme in his work. «Daisy Miller» also helped popularize James as a writer and solidified his reputation as a master of social analysis and psychological depth.