An Alternative Scenario in Daisy Miller

           While I do understand the point of view of Winterbourne being a homosexual character in Henry James’ Daisy Miller, the story becomes increasingly tragic if Winterbourne is considered heterosexual. While I will not argue against Winterbourne’s seemingly homosexual identity, I would like to point out that Winterbourne does go on a date of sorts with Daisy to Chillon Castle. Winterbourne does seem to be infatuated with Daisy, as he repeatedly compliments her beauty, though he does not understand her actions that are perceived as inappropriate.

            All that said, if a reader views Winterbourne as a heterosexual, the ending to this short story s extraordinarily tragic. This is because, up until Daisy’s death, the reader is led to believe that she is engaged to Giovanelli. Daisy appears to be happy with Giovanelli and our protagonist seems to bump into the engaged couple when he is out in public. When Winterbourne sees Daisy and Giovanelli at the Coliseum one night, he warns them to vacate the premises as the area is a hotspot for malaria. What is bizarre is that Daisy seems to be interested in Winterbourne throughout the piece as more than a friend. She does ask Winterbourne before he leaves the Coliseum if he believes she is actually engaged. Perhaps it is just my instinct, but I perceived this moment to be Daisy looking for Winterbourne to become bothered by her future martial arrangements. Clearly, Daisy cares about Winterbourne’s opinion of her (seen through the note she left him before she passes), but also through Giovanelli’s remark at Daisy’s funeral. Perhaps if Winterbourne was heterosexual, or if the two had expressed their feelings to one another more openly, Daisy’s death would never have occurred.