"Cliff Notes - Daisy Miller" - читать интересную книгу автора (Cliff Notes)books had not brought him the monetary rewards their artistry
deserved. One close friend, the wealthy American novelist Edith Wharton, even arranged to pay James $8,000, disguising the gift (which she knew the proud James would never accept) as an advance from his publisher. Near the end of his life, James formalized the process of Europeanization he had begun so many years before by taking out British citizenship in support of a country that had just entered World War I. He actively engaged in war relief work until his health failed in 1916. On his death, few of his many books were in print. It would take two decades for his work to be rediscovered by the public. But James's writing had a profound influence on many distinguished writers, including Joseph Conrad, James Joyce, Katherine Anne Porter, Edith Wharton, and Virginia Woolf. Henry James is often called "a writer's writer," meaning that he is highly regarded by those people who can best appreciate his skill. For the novice writer, Henry James had advice that will also serve his readers well: "Try to be one of the people on whom nothing is lost!" ^^^^^^^^^^ DAISY MILLER: THE PLOT In the Swiss resort of Vevey, a handsome young American named Frederick Winterbourne has arrived to visit his wealthy aunt, Mrs. Costello. At his hotel, he meets a rude American boy named Randolph Miller and, moments later, the boy's beautiful and independent older sister, Daisy. Winterbourne, who has lived abroad long enough to become well-versed in European customs and manners, has never met anyone like Daisy. He finds her flirting charming, even if unorthodox--perhaps even outrageous--by European standards. Daisy announces her desire to visit a nearby medieval castle, and Winterbourne offers to take her. To his utter amazement, Daisy starts making plans to go with him--alone. Her arrangements include neither her mother, her brother, nor her family's courier. Winterbourne can't believe his ears. A young unmarried European woman wouldn't even listen to the suggestion of such an unchaperoned trip, much less propose one herself. Stranger still is the fact that Daisy's mother doesn't seem to object to the idea. Winterbourne's proper aunt, Mrs. Costello, is appalled, though. She won't let her nephew introduce her to these uncultured Americans. Winterbourne and Daisy make their trip to the castle, but it's less of a romantic adventure than Winterbourne had hoped it |
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