Daisy as a Tragic Character

I agree with Leslie that Daisy Miller’s ending lack a clear, just moral message, but her sudden death presents her as a tragic character underserving of her sudden illness and the social ridicule and ostracism she experiences. In the beginning of the novel, Winterbourne defends that Daisy is not a coquette; his description of her as “very unsophisticated” and “only a pretty American flirt” suggest her harmlessness and innocence (11).  While Winterbourne is later taken off-guard by her bold demands and challenge to his authority, Daisy explains, “That’s all I want—a little fuss” (21). By challenging European social expectations of women through her interactions with men, Daisy finally gains the attention her mother and absent father fail to provide her. Many of Daisy’s actions, including visiting the Château de Chillon with Winterbourne and inviting Giovanelli to Mrs. Walker’s party, are an attempt to rouse her mother’s concern and challenge her mother’s complacency. Even after Mrs. Miller discovers that Daisy’s illness is a result of her outdoor excursions with Giovanelli, she quickly dismisses Giovanelli’s responsibility for her daughter’s health and safety. Mrs. Miller comments to Winterbourne, “A lady told me that [Giovanelli] was afraid I was angry for taking Daisy around at night. Well, so I am; but I suppose he knows I am a lady. I would never scorn to scold” (50). This statement further reveals Mrs. Miller’s weakness and dismissiveness of her duties as a mother. She claims that she is powerless to challenge men, even in her superior social position. Daisy risks her reputation and health in an effort to gain Winterbourne and her mother’s approval and attention, but tragically, neither character saves her in time.