Commentary: One major motif throughout the novel is the conscious of Winterbourne. Many details are given away through his perceptions and observations. Here he perceives the immense beauty of Daisy for the first time, and comments to himself on her calm manner both physically and emotionally. These details create a picture of what Daisy will be in the future. Because Winterbourne realized the natural calm nature of her in the start, he can safely deal with her later in the novel while having trouble keeping her out two men’s grasps.

Quote: “He immediately perceived, from her tone, that Miss Daisy Miller’s place in the social scale was low” (19).

Commentary: Here again is another wonderful perception from Winterbourne. He realizes that she can be understood through her “tone” and words, and can later use the tone of her voice to understand the emotional volcano that is her

mind. By using “tone” the atmosphere at where the conversation is also described. It is not a place where brashness and openness are used, but rather where tone is used to prevent the harsh reality of the meaning of their words.

Quote: “I have lived too long in foreign parts” (83).

Commentary: Europeans refer to Americans as base and refuse to socialize with them, as is the case with Mrs. Costello and the Millers. Mrs. Costello has transformed into a foreigner and built up her own superiority complex. She sees a young American girl (Daisy) having a good time, and assumes her to be the devil reincarnate. Europeans look down on Americans who act like some of their own Europeans brethren act. The rich Europeans featured in this book view Americans as “uncultivated” when they do not act according to their high set standards. The Europeans concept of Americans is that they are a step below the Europeans. The Americans are like a skunk, pretty to look at (Daisy’s superior fashion) but not to be “meddled with.”

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