“Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton

Introduction: “Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton published the short story “Roman Fever” in the magazine Collier’s Weekly in 1934. Ever since its publication, the story has been widely popular for its exploration of the intricate and often tumultuous relationships between women. It also portrays the dynamics of power and envy, simmering beneath seemingly benign social interactions.

Main Events in “Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton

Here’s a summary of the main events in “Roman Fever” broken down into 15 bullet points:

Introduction

• Two American Women Meet in Rome: Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley, both widows, run into each other at a lavish Roman restaurant with views of ancient ruins.
• Contrasting Daughters: Their daughters, Babs (Ansley) and Jenny (Slade), represent a new generation with bolder attitudes than their mothers had.
• Mrs. Slade’s Internal Conflict: While outwardly amicable, Mrs. Slade harbors envy towards Mrs. Ansley. She views Jenny as less dynamic than Babs.

Memories of Rome

• Shifting Views of Danger: The women contemplate how Rome represents different dangers to each generation – Roman fever for their grandmothers, social impropriety for their mothers, and few risks for their daughters.
• Mrs. Slade’s Jealousy Emerges: She subtly disparages Babs, implying her aggressive pursuit of an Italian suitor, and suggests Mrs. Ansley uses her daughter as a foil for her own.

The Past Revisited

• Mrs. Ansley’s Resilience: Mrs. Ansley dismisses Mrs. Slade’s barbs, revealing an inner strength Mrs. Slade misjudged.
• Remembering “Great-Aunt Harriet”: Mrs. Slade recalls the cautionary tale of a relative who sent her sister to the Forum at night, leading to her fatal illness.
• Confession of Envy: Driven by lingering resentment, Mrs. Slade admits she used this story to frighten Mrs. Ansley when they were both young women engaged to the same man.

The Letter

• Mrs. Slade’s Cruel Act: Fueled by a desire to eliminate her rival, Mrs. Slade penned a letter luring Mrs. Ansley (then unmarried) to a secret rendezvous in the Colosseum.
• Mrs. Ansley’s Shock: Mrs. Ansley is devastated by the revelation that her friend was behind the letter.
• Consequences Unforeseen: Mrs. Slade confesses she never imagined Mrs. Ansley would actually meet the man, nor that she would fall ill afterward.

Conflicting Memories

• Mrs. Ansley’s Secret: She counters Mrs. Slade’s assumptions, revealing that she did indeed go to the Colosseum that night, and the man (Delphin, Mrs. Slade’s ex-fiancé) was waiting for her.
• Mrs. Slade’s Miscalculation: This admission shatters Mrs. Slade’s perception of events; she never considered the possibility of the letter being answered.

Lingering Pain

• Forgiveness and Regret: The women acknowledge the deep, lasting hurt caused by Mrs. Slade’s deception.
• Differing Outcomes: Mrs. Slade married Delphin and enjoyed a long life with him, while Mrs. Ansley ultimately married another.
• The Final Blow: In a devastating revelation, Mrs. Ansley tells her friend she had a daughter, Barbara, with Delphin, conceived during their meeting at the Colosseum.

Literary Devices in “Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton

1. Foreshadowing: Early hints establish future events, creating tension:

• “Roman fever” is mentioned repeatedly, suggesting the theme of hidden dangers.
• Mrs. Slade’s resentment towards Mrs. Ansley subtly foreshadows the story’s conflict.

2. Irony: Contradiction between appearance and reality, often with a bitter undertone:

• The setting, overlooking ancient ruins, emphasizes the lasting consequences of past actions.
• Mrs. Slade views herself as superior, yet her actions reveal insecurity and spitefulness.

3. Dramatic Irony: The audience understands something the characters don’t:

• We know Mrs. Slade wrote the letter, but Mrs. Ansley believes it was Delphin’s, adding poignancy to their conversation.

4. Symbolism: Objects or places representing broader ideas:

• The Roman Forum symbolizes a dangerous space, tied to both illness and forbidden romance.
• The Colosseum becomes a symbol of secret passion and the destructive potential of the past.

5. Juxtaposition: Placing contrasting elements side-by-side for emphasis:

• Old Rome vs. the ladies’ modern daughters – highlights changing social values.
• Mrs. Slade’s outward confidence vs. her inner jealousy.

6. Imagery: Vivid descriptions appealing to the senses:

• “The golden slope of the Palace of the Caesars…” (Section II) creates a visual picture of the setting.
• The knitting needles become potent symbols: Mrs. Ansley’s quiet strength vs. Mrs. Slade’s unraveling composure.

7. Metaphor: Implied comparison enhancing meaning:

• Mrs. Slade referring to Babs as having “rainbow wings” suggests both her beauty and her potential for flight.

8. Allusion: Indirect reference to a historical event or figure:

• “Great-aunt Harriet,” whose tale of the Forum frames the women’s own past transgression.

9. Tone Shifts: Changes in the story’s emotional atmosphere:

• The opening is tranquil, with a hint of tension. As the revelation occurs, it becomes sharp and accusatory.

10. Dialogue: Reveals character and advances the plot:

• Conversations between the women expose their internal conflicts and complex history.

11. Unreliable Narrator: Mrs. Slade’s perspective is colored by her bias:

• She presents herself as confident and morally superior, which the story gradually undermines.

12. Motif: Recurring image or theme that gains significance:

• References to knitting suggest a sense of control: Mrs. Ansley actively knits, while Mrs. Slade’s hands remain idle.

13. Interior Monologue: A character’s thoughts are revealed:

• We gain insight into Mrs. Slade’s envy and bitterness, particularly in Section I.

14. Flashback: Interruption of the present narrative to depict a past event:

• The women recall their youth in Rome, providing crucial backstory.

15. Twist Ending: A surprising conclusion that recontextualizes the story:

• The revelation of Barbara’s parentage delivers a final blow to Mrs. Slade’s assumptions.

Characterization in “Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton

Absolutely! Here’s a more professional version of the characterization table, suitable for academic analysis or a formal presentation:

Character	Description and Inferences	Characterization Techniques	Significance
Mrs. Slade (Alida)	Appearance: Fuller figure, strong features, and bold brows suggest a forceful personality. Initially Confident and Socially Skilled: Her composure and witty banter demonstrate social ease. Manipulative and Driven by Resentment: Driven by lingering envy over her former fiancé, she committed a cruel act against Mrs. Ansley, revealing a vindictive streak. Underlying Insecurity: Her focus on the past and need to undermine Mrs. Ansley betray a vulnerability she tries to mask.	* Direct Description: Wharton provides limited physical details, leaving room for interpretation. * Dialogue: Mrs. Slade’s sharp remarks and attempts to dominate the conversation. * Actions: The past act of writing the deceptive letter and her present need to confess it. * Internal Monologue: Provides insight into her envy and insecurities, contrasting her outward demeanor.	Mrs. Slade represents a complex character struggling with internal conflicts masked by a facade of confidence. Her actions highlight societal pressure on women of the era and the potential for rivalry to turn destructive.
Mrs. Ansley (Grace)	Appearance: Smaller and paler, suggesting a less assertive presence. Quiet Strength: Initially seems passive but demonstrates remarkable composure as Mrs. Slade’s barbs escalate. Capacity for Passion: Her secret rendezvous and the existence of her daughter, Barbara, contradict the image of a timid woman. Enduring Pain: Remains affected by past events, hinting at unresolved hurt.	* Subtle Description: Wharton focuses less on physicality, emphasizing Mrs. Ansley’s reserved demeanor. * Actions: Her past decision to meet Delphin and her current composure speak to inner resolve. * Contrast with Mrs. Slade: Her restraint highlights Mrs. Slade’s impulsiveness and cruelty. * Dramatic Irony: The audience’s knowledge of events the characters don’t share adds poignancy. * The Final Revelation: Barbara’s existence recasts her as a woman who defied social expectations.	Mrs. Ansley challenges notions of passivity in women. Wharton uses her seeming timidity as a foil for Mrs. Slade, ultimately revealing hidden depths and the lasting consequences of past choices.

Major Themes in “Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton

• The Destructive Power of Envy and Jealousy:
  • Mrs. Slade’s lingering resentment over her former fiancé leads her to commit a cruel act against Mrs. Ansley.
  • Her obsession with the past and undermining of Mrs. Ansley expose the corrosive nature of envy.
• The Illusion of Social Superiority:
  • Mrs. Slade’s outward confidence and social poise mask deep insecurities.
  • Wharton satirizes the focus on appearances and status within their social circle.
• The Enduring Impact of the Past:
  • The women’s history shapes their present dynamic, with past choices having ripple effects.
  • The ruins of Rome symbolize how the past lingers, both physically and within the characters.
• Contrasting Versions of Womanhood:
  • Mrs. Ansley’s seeming passivity contrasts with Mrs. Slade’s boldness, yet both harbor hidden complexities.
  • The story challenges traditional notions of female rivalry and explores how women navigate societal expectations.
• The Complexity of Mother-Daughter Relationships
  • Mrs. Slade views her daughter, Jenny, as an extension of herself and a disappointment compared to the dynamic Babs.
  • The secret of Barbara’s parentage reveals a complex dynamic between the older women and the younger generation they influence.

Writing Style in “Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton

• Precision and Elegance:
  • “The two ladies looked at each other again, this time with a tinge of smiling embarrassment…” (Section I) – Demonstrates Wharton’s controlled prose and attention to nuanced social interactions.
• Vivid Setting as Symbol:
  • “The long golden light was beginning to pale, and Mrs. Ansley lifted her knitting a little closer to her eyes.” (Section II) – Imagery creates mood and foreshadows the story’s unraveling.
• Third-Person Limited Perspective:
  • “Mrs. Slade broke off this prophetic flight with a recoil of self-disgust. There was no one of whom she had less right to think unkindly than of Grace Ansley.” (Section II) – Allows insight into Mrs. Slade’s internal conflict, but limits our full understanding of Mrs. Ansley.
• Psychologically Complex Characters:
  • “If in old days it must have been tiring to ‘keep up’ with daughters, it was now, at times, a little dull not to.” (Section I) – Indirectly reveals Mrs. Slade’s dissatisfaction, hinting at deeper issues.
• Ironic Dialogue:
  • “‘My one darling, things can’t go on like this. I must see you alone.'”(Section II) – The dramatic irony, known to readers but not the characters, drives tension and highlights themes of deception.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton

Literary Theory	Key Concepts	Application to “Roman Fever”
Feminist Criticism	* Examines gender roles, power dynamics, and female representation. * Challenges patriarchal systems and stereotypes.	* Contrasting Female Experiences: Wharton portrays two complex women navigating social expectations within a patriarchal society. * Challenging Female Rivalry: The story subverts the trope of women pitted against each other, showing potential for both destructive rivalry and unexpected resilience. * Mother-Daughter Dynamics: Explores how Mrs. Slade projects her desires onto Jenny and the hidden burden of Mrs. Ansley’s secret motherhood.
New Historicism	* Considers the historical context of a text as crucial to understanding its meaning. * Recognizes that history is not neutral and is continually being reinterpreted.	* Social Norms and Class: The story’s focus on upper-class American women in Rome highlights specific societal pressures and values of the time period. * Changing Views of “Danger”: The generational shifts (grandmother, mother, daughter) illustrate how women’s experiences were shaped by evolving social expectations. * Influence of Setting: Rome, as a site of ancient ruins and history, serves as a constant reminder of the past and its potential to shape the present.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	* Explores unconscious desires, repressed emotions, and their impact on behavior. * Analyzes symbolism, dreams, and underlying motivations.	* Mrs. Slade’s Unconscious: Her lingering resentment and cruel act stem from unresolved feelings about her former fiancé and rivalry with Mrs. Ansley. * Symbolism of the Setting The Forum and Colosseum can be interpreted as spaces of both forbidden desire and potential illness/destruction, reflecting inner conflicts. * Internalized Societal Pressures: The characters’ internal monologues reveal how social norms about feminine behavior and romantic success can shape their actions and self-perception.

Important Notes:

• Multiple Interpretations: Each theoretical lens reveals different meanings; there is no single “correct” interpretation.
• Combination of Theories: The most insightful analysis often utilizes aspects of several theoretical perspectives.

Questions and Thesis Statements about “Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton

Step 1: Choose a Broad Topic

Let’s pick one of the concepts suggested earlier:

• The Female Gaze in “Roman Fever”

Step 2: Ask a Focused Question

• Original Question: “How does ‘Roman Fever’ illustrate the concept of the ‘female gaze’ in literature?”
  • Problem: This is quite broad. A strong thesis needs a narrower focus to be effectively argued.
• Revised Questions:
  • How does Wharton subvert expectations of female rivalry in “Roman Fever” to create a complex view of female relationships?
  • In what ways does the setting of “Roman Fever” reflect the constraints and potential for agency experienced by the female characters?
  • How does Wharton use internal monologues in “Roman Fever” to challenge or reinforce traditional views of female psychology?

Step 3: Create a Specific Thesis Statement

• Revised Question: How does Wharton subvert expectations of female rivalry in “Roman Fever” to create a complex view of female relationships?
• Possible Thesis Statements:
  • Wharton defies the trope of women as natural rivals in “Roman Fever,” ultimately revealing both Mrs. Slade’s resentment and Mrs. Ansley’s quiet strength, painting a nuanced portrait of female friendship.
  • The apparent competition between Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley masks a deeper shared history in “Roman Fever.” Wharton uses this to explore how women navigate past betrayals and societal expectations.
  • In “Roman Fever,” Wharton subverts the expectation of petty rivalry by focusing on the lasting consequences of the women’s actions, highlighting both the destructive and resilient aspects of female relationships.

Short Question-Answer “Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton

What is the significance of the title “Roman Fever”?

• Literal vs. Figurative: While “Roman Fever” references a real illness (“…how ill you were that winter…” Section I), it primarily operates as a metaphor for the destructive emotions and social tensions brewing within the characters.
• Destructive Potential: The “fever” imagery suggests not only the intensity of passions like jealousy but their potential to debilitate or even lead to ruin, echoed in the story’s outcome.

What is the significance of the Colosseum in the story?

• Tangible Symbol of the Past: The Colosseum is a constant physical reminder of Rome’s history, mirroring how the characters’ past actions continue to shape their present (“…already its golden flank was drowned in…shadow” Section II).
• Space of Transgression and Danger: The Colosseum holds associations with both hidden desires (Mrs. Ansley’s meeting with Delphin) and risk (“…the Colosseum’s even colder and damper” Section I).
• Setting for Confrontation: The final clash between the women takes place with the Colosseum as a backdrop, visually linking the monument and their conflict.

Why does Alida reveal the truth to Grace at the end of the story?

• Confession as Release: The weight of her deception becomes unbearable (“I simply can’t bear it any longer…” Section II), suggesting the confession might offer a twisted form of relief.
• Cruel Power Play: Alida’s timing and direct manner (“I wrote it [the letter]” Section II) could be a final act of asserting dominance over her rival.
• Ambiguous Intent: Wharton leaves room for interpretation – does this reveal a desire for genuine reconciliation or is it purely a destructive act?

How does the story explore the theme of betrayal?

• Central Betrayal: Focus on the impact of Mrs. Slade’s letter and Mrs. Ansley’s affair – emphasizing the broken trust between the women.
• Consequences and Ripple Effects: Traces the lingering effects of betrayal: Mrs. Slade’s festering envy, Mrs. Ansley’s secret burden, and how these shape their later lives.
• Societal Context: Highlights how betrayals are amplified within their social circle where appearances and maintaining control are crucial.

Suggested Readings: “Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton

1. Ammons, Elizabeth. Edith Wharton’s Argument with America. University of Georgia Press, 1980. Explores Wharton’s complex relationship with American society, providing context for the social tensions within “Roman Fever”.
2. Benstock, Shari. No Gifts from Chance: A Biography of Edith Wharton. Scribner, 1994. A respected biography offering insight into Wharton’s life and the influences shaping her writing.
3. Goodwyn, Janet. Edith Wharton in Context. Cambridge University Press, 2020. Situates Wharton’s works among contemporary literary trends and explores themes relevant to “Roman Fever”, like women’s roles and social critique.
4. Knight, Deborah. “Wharton’s Roman Fever: A Goddess Remembered.” The Short Story in English: Britain and America, 1880–1945, edited by Adeline Tintner, Susquehanna University Press, 1998, pp. 147-164. Focuses specifically on “Roman Fever,” offering a close reading and exploring its mythological underpinnings.
5. Wolff, Cynthia Griffin. A Feast of Words: The Triumph of Edith Wharton. 2nd ed., Oxford University Press, 1995. A comprehensive study of Wharton’s works, likely to contain a chapter or section analyzing “Roman Fever” and its recurring themes.