Appearance vs. Reality

Daisy Miller is, in large part, concerned with revealing, concealing and misdirecting - making true knowledge of a given thing or person elusive. On one level, the story is about a man's search to uncover the true identity of a woman he desires. Winterbourne is attracted to Daisy, but it is not clear to him or the reader, whether she is a proper companion for him. Her family's origins are unknown, and they behave like people who only recently gained entry into society. For example, Daisy seems to think Europe quaint compared to Schenectady. They certainly do not play by the long-established rules of society. Mrs. Costello, a wealthy American who identifies more with European ways, than American, declares the family unacceptable; however, Mrs. Walker, with whom Winterbourne is friends, initially accepts them. The question then arises: Are the Millers socially admissible?

On another level, the...