Abstract

This article mainly discusses Henry James’s presentation of the cultural differences between the United States and Europe through Daisy Miller. Language and actions are the carriers of culture, so stubborn and old-fashioned Europeans are hard to accept Daisy Miller’s performances, leading to irreparable misunderstanding and tragedy of love eventually. This article shows language and behavior differences between the Europeans and Americans. Daisy represents freedom, democracy, innocence of Americans on one hand and the narrowness, lack of knowledge, shallowness on the other hand. Although Europeans have long history, splendid culture and aristocratic temperament, they show sophistication, hypocrisy, conservatism and corruption in the novel.

Key words: Henry James, Daisy Miller, cultural differences, international theme

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

Introduction1

II. Cultural Conflict Reflected in Daisy Miller2

2.1 The formation of cultural differences 2

2.2 The misunderstanding between the Americans and the Europeans3

2.3 The root of cultural differences in Daisy Miller.5

III. “International Theme”7

IV. Conclusion.9

V. References.11