” Roman fever, or malaria, symbolizes jealousy and strong emotions . Grace ‘catches it' in her love for Delphin. It also represents Alida's jealousy of Grace, and her later jealousy of Barbara, who Alida feels is more exciting and accomplished than her own daughter, Jenny.
What is the tone of Roman Fever?
What is the tone of Roman Fever? The story, at first, seems to be little more than a tale about the nostalgic remembrances of two middle-aged women revisiting Rome. Yet the tone of both the outer and inner dialogue shows a deep-felt animosity between the two women.
What is the theme of Roman Fever?
Alida is very concerned with social status , and it is a prevailing theme in the story. It shows up in her marriage to Delphin, as well as in her jealousy of Barbara. Alida is jealous that Barbara is with such a high-status man when Jenny, Alida's daughter, is not. Jealousy is another theme in the story.
What is the surprise ending in Roman Fever?
Ansley had nothing in return, because she didn't marry Mrs. Slade's husband , Mrs. Ansley ends the story by surprising both us and Mrs.
Why is Roman Fever set in Rome?
The reason the setting of Rome intensifies the women's conflict is that a secret Mrs. Ansley has been keeping for years is finally revealed, and it all started right there in Rome . Years before either of the women were married, they were in competition for the same man, Mr. Slade.
What is the main conflict in Roman Fever?
The main conflict in “Roman Fever” is between Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley over Delphin Slade . When the two women were young they were both in love with the same man, even though he was engaged to Alida, Mrs.
What does the Colosseum symbolize in Roman Fever?
In Edith Wharton's “Roman Fever,” the Colosseum represents passion . This is the location where Grace and Delphin succumbed to their feelings...
Why is Mrs Slade jealous of Mrs Ansley?
Slade created the whole origin of intrigue out of own desire for nothing more than the shear pleasure of trickery. Ironically the jealousy that caused Mrs. Ansley ended up being the spawn of the jealousy that she later would feel over Mrs. Ansley's beautiful daughter.
Who was Delphin in Roman Fever?
Delphin Slade was a ”famous corporation lawyer , always with an international case or two on hand” who brought life and excitement with him wherever he traveled and often made ”hurried dashes...to London, Paris or Rome. ” Delphin was such a celebrity, he was known among the elite as the Slade.
Who is the protagonist in Roman Fever?
Grace Ansley is the protagonist in ‘Roman Fever'. She was raised in a wealthy family and married well. The antagonist, Alida Slade, originally assumed...
What is the summary of Roman Fever?
“Roman Fever” is a short story by Edith Warton in which Grace and Alida ruminate on their shared history and a secret is revealed: Grace's daughter, Barbara, was fathered by Alida's husband Delphin . Grace and Alida discuss their lives and their daughters, Barbara and Jenny.
Who actually wrote the letter to Mrs Ansley in Roman Fever?
In the opening pages of the story, the two women compare their daughters and reflect on each other's lives. Eventually, Alida reveals a secret about a letter written to Grace on a visit to Rome many years ago. The letter was purportedly from Alida's fiancé, Delphin, inviting Grace to a rendezvous at the Colosseum.
Who is Mrs Slade's daughter?
Jenny Slade Character Analysis. Mrs. Slade's daughter and only surviving child. She is prudent, respectful of her mother, and beautiful.
What is the significance of the forged letter in Roman Fever?
Ansley got pregnant with her daughter, Barbara, who Mrs. Slade discovers is the child of her late husband. So the letter actually led to an affair which resulted in the birth of a child .
What happens to Mrs Slade after the death of her husband Delphin?
Slade was younger and her husband Delphin was still alive, every day was exciting; however, after her husband's death, she finds being Slade's widow a “dullish business.”
What are the first hints of submerged conflict between Mrs Slade and Mrs Ansley?
Ansley blushes and then carefully tells Mrs. Slade that their daughters have gone to meet their Italian beaus. The discrepancy between what is said and how the women emote constitute the first hints of submerged conflict between the two.
