In the novella Daisy Miller, by Henry James, the Europe versus America problem presents itself as the question of wether one should conform to the customs of the land one is visiting, or wether one should maintain their own beliefs no matter where one is. When one chooses to disregard the cultural ways of a society, they are labeled as a non-conformist and their individuality is devalued. Frederick Winterbourne, an upperclass American, compensates his identity and beliefs to be accepted into the European society. .
In Europe, Winterbourne, has languished within an un-fulfilling and far from illustrious lifestyle. He has become dull in his European ways and less and less American in his views and actions. When he meets Daisy, a pretty American girl, he realizes she is unaffected by the beliefs of European society. Where as most European girls would not chat easily with a single man, Daisy thinks nothing of it. Her "daisy-like" attribute and flirtatious ways are evident throughout the novella. ""I have always had," she said, "a great deal of gentlemen's society. (Winterbourne) had never yet heard a young girl express herself in just this fashion; never, at least, save in cases where to say such thing seemed a kind of deportment. He felt that he had lived at Geneva so long that he had lost a good deal; he had become dishabitated to the American tone" (p 57). Winterbourne, is surprised with the comments Daisy makes about having many male friends. This type of behavior would be looked down upon and rejected in European society. Winterbourne acknowledges the fact that he is no longer accustomed to the American behaviors and that European society has changed him. His sophisticated manners contrast with Daisy's relatively poor education, innocence and crudity. .
Although Daisy is considered a social outcast, Winterbourne is interested in her and quickly befriends her. He even want to introduce her to his aunt, Mrs.
