The main irony in the story is that
Alida's letter, which was meant to hurt Grace, actually resulted in the affair that Alida had been worried about
. There is also significant symbolism in ”Roman Fever. ” Roman fever, or malaria, symbolizes jealousy and strong emotions. Grace ‘catches it' in her love for Delphin.
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.
What is Roman Fever literally and figuratively?
16,144 answers. The double meaning of “Roman Fever” is that it refers literally to
an feverish ailment to which one is susceptible in the cool air after sunset
, and figuratively to a feverish battle for Delphin Slade by two women who were rivals for his love.
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 Mrs.
What is the meaning of the title Roman Fever?
16,144 answers. Edith Wharton's title “Roman Fever ” is
symbolic of the passionate hatred and jealousy felt by Alida Slade
, as well as the sexual passion experienced by Delphin Slade and Grace Ansley. The name for the dangerous night air of the Roman Forum which often brought on malaria in…
What is the theme of Roman Fever?
Lesson Summary
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.
Who is 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.
What is the climax of the story Roman Fever?
The climax of “Roman Fever” comes as
the two matrons sit watching the Roman sunset, recalling events of their first visit to Rome so long ago, and both friends reveal truths that shock the other
.
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 does knitting symbolize in Roman Fever?
Mrs. Ansley's knitting represents
the repression, indirectness, and deceit
that are the heart of Wharton's portrayal of high society life. Knitting gives her a veneer of civility and respectability, thereby preventing Mrs. Slade from recognizing that Mrs.
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.
What is the plot 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.
What is the setting of the story Roman Fever?
Setting. The story takes place in
the afternoon through sunset, in the city of Rome, at a restaurant overlooking the Forum
. Two wealthy, middle-aged, widowed women are visiting Rome with their two unmarried daughters.
What does the Colosseum represent 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…
What is the connection between Mr Slade and Mrs Ansley?
Ansley share
a similar social background
. They're both part of the gilded upper-class world that Edith Wharton wrote about so often. More importantly, Alida and Grace are linked by Delphin. Alida Slade is Delphin's widow, and Grace Ansley was once his lover.
What is the relationship between Grace Ansley and Mrs Slade?
Slade and Mrs. Ansley are
lifelong friends
, their relationship is constrained by mutual feelings of intense jealousy. They see one another as opponents, competing for power and stature—both within their friendship and in society more broadly.
