DAISY MILLER STUDY GUIDE

CHAPTER SUMMARIES WITH NOTES

PART II: "ROME"

Summary (continued)

As they walk towards the Pincio, Daisy chatters to Winterbourne. She says that her family plans to stay in Rome for the winter if they do not get fever, and that she is very happy with her active social life in spite of the fact there is not much dancing. Daisy then decides she must turn her attention to finding Giovanelli, whom she spies leaning against a tree. Winterbourne notes Giovanelli's cane, hat, monocle, and nosegay, and decides he had better stay with Daisy. Daisy calls him "imperious" and declares she never allows gentlemen to dictate to her. Winterbourne warns her that she needs to listen--to the right people. Daisy responds that she is always listening, and perhaps Giovanelli is the right one.

Giovanelli approaches and acts in an obsequious manner. Daisy strolls along with one man on each side. Despite the fact that Giovanelli expected a private walk with Daisy, he converses cleverly and behaves graciously. Winterbourne decides that Giovanelli is not a gentleman, but a clever imitation and a third-rate artist. He does, however, curse Giovanelli's natural good looks and despises the fact that Daisy cannot distinguish a "real gentleman" from an impostor. He is ashamed for her that she foolishly planned to stroll alone with Giovanelli, ignoring European tradition. In spite of her ignoring the rules, he admits that her audacity and innocence have captured him.

Mrs. Walker drives up in a carriage beside them and beckons to Winterbourne. She tells him that Daisy is being "seen" and must not ruin herself like this. Winterbourne calls Daisy an innocent, while Mrs. Walker calls her crazy and her mother an imbecile. Although Winterbourne thinks it will not work, Mrs. Walker calls Daisy over, explains that she is going against custom, and asks her to get into the carriage. Daisy complains that her mother refuses to walk with her and that she is old enough to walk by herself. Mrs. Walker says she is also old enough to be talked about. Daisy feels insulted by Mrs. Walker, but Winterbourne suggests that she should get into the carriage anyway. Daisy is outraged, says good-bye, and turns away with Giovanelli.

Winterbourne, feeling caught in the middle, bids good-bye to Daisy and joins Mrs. Walker. During the ride, she informs him that Daisy has been acting very badly by flirting, dancing, and visiting with strangers unchaperoned. Everyone is talking about her! Winterbourne argues that the girl is only uncultivated and means no harm. Mrs. Walker then asks Winterbourne to never see Daisy again. When he refuses, she asks him to get out of her carriage. Winterbourne, on foot once again, watches Daisy and Giovanelli, who are engrossed in each other. They walk, talk, sit, and even hide behind Daisy's parasol with their heads together. Winterbourne simply walks away unnoticed and heads towards his aunt's residence.

Winterbourne tries to call on Daisy for the next two days, but no one is at home. The third evening marks the date of Mrs. Walker's party, which Winterbourne decides to attend in spite of his last uncomfortable interview with the hostess. Mrs. Miller arrives at the party by herself, more frazzled than ever and very apologetic for Daisy's absence. Mrs. Miller knows that Daisy and Giovanelli, dressed and ready for the party, are back at the hotel and engrossed in playing the piano and singing. Mrs. Miller hopes they will come soon. Mrs. Walker is horrified at Daisy's rudeness. Turning to Winterbourne, she says that she will not speak to her when she arrives.

Daisy and Giovanelli finally arrive after eleven with a great flourish. Mrs. Walker is very curt, Giovanelli sings without an invitation to do so, and Daisy talks. She tells Winterbourne that it is a pity that Mrs. Walker's rooms are too small for dancing. When Winterbourne tells Daisy that he doesn't dance, she says he is just too stiff. .

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