I'm not certain that I understand the author's intent in writing this story. Nor do I understand why it was one of his most popular books. The story is light yet sad. Winterbourne is drawn by the beauty of the young, outgoing American, Daisy Miller. He meets her in Geneva when he is visiting his aunt. Her endless chatter detracts from her beauty but Winterbourne nevertheless finds her most attractive. When she tells him she is going to Italy and asks him to visit her there he consents. His aunt is moving to Italy as well so it is convenient for me to go to Italy. Once there Miss Miller finds a handsome Italian to escort her everywhere she wants to go. Since Miss Miller goes everywhere with the Italian but no other companion she becomes the talk of the town. Is it because she is innocent as both men believe or is she a flirt. She admits to being a flirt but insists upon doing whatever she wants to do in spite of what those in society believe is proper. Perhaps the author only intended to reveal the mores of society during this period.

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