Daisy Miller Lesson Plan

Although Mrs. Costello presents herself as an upright and admirable character, what are some indications that this might not be true?

Students may argue that Mrs. Costello's immediate dismissal of the Millers as commoners whose presence she will not accept is evidence enough of her not being admirable. However, she is simply following the cultural norms of the time — it is the Millers who are rebelling, knowingly or not, against these societal restrictions. Yet, there are further clues that Mrs. Costello may have somewhat of an inflated idea of herself. She has three sons, one of whom lives in Europe, and none of them ever visit with their mother. Additionally, Mrs....