Analysis of Roman Fever Essay

In Roman Fever, Edith Wharton places an underlying theme within an obvious one. While reading through the story, readers notice friendship as a possible theme, but underneath that friendship lies rivalry. Wharton also builds an exceptional plot in this work. She gives readers the want to turn pages, and leaves them wondering what? at the conclusion of the story. An analysis of Roman Fever reveals two basic elements in a short story: understanding the core theme and the building of a great plot.

Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley have been friends since they first met as young women in Rome, when Alida (Mrs. Slade) was engaged to Delphin Slade. This friendship forms an enduring tie between Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley. However, this friendship is scarred by deeper, hostile feelings felt for one another. Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansely will not admit to these feelings, both wanting to carry on as perfect companions. The two women lived somewhat parallel lives. Although they had very different opinions of each other, they were the same in many ways. They both lived wealthy lives in New York City, both became widows around the same time and both, obviously, enjoyed vacationing in Rome.

The first representation of hostility occurs when the two are speaking of moonlight. Mrs. Ansely says, Ive come to the conclusion that I dont in the least know what they are. And perhaps we didnt know much more about each other (Wharton 115). This could have been the first time the two acknowledged their dislike for one another. Wharton opens the plot up to many possibilities at this point.

At times this rivalry is expressed subtly, as when Mrs. Ansley says that, the view upon the Palatine ruins will always be the most beautiful view in the world to me,(Wharton, 114) while stressing the me as if she alone were concealed to the glories of Rome. Sometimes the rivalry is expressed directly through the womens thoughts. For example, Mrs. Slade compares herself directly to Mrs. Ansley. She believes that her widowhood is more difficult than Mrs. Ansleys widowhood, for she had led a full, active life as the wife of an international corporate lawyer, while Mrs. Ansley and her husband were more of museum specimens of old New York, (Wharton 115) or in even less flattering terms, nullities (Wharton 115).

Mrs. Ansely tends to be less expressive on details involving her friends lifestyle. In her thoughts, she expresses the sorrow she feels for Mrs. Slade. Mrs. Ansely says, Sometimes Mrs. Ansley thought Alida Slade was disappointed; on the whole she had had a sad life. Full of failures and mistakes; Mrs. Ansley had always been rather sorry for her (Wharton 116). Mrs. Ansely goes about judging in a more modest way that Mrs. Slade, showing how different the two are in even more perspectives. Mrs. Slade is more judgmental and crude while Mrs. Ansely is somewhat soft-hearted with her opinions.

Although friendship and rivalry are more evident themes, love and passion could also be a theme. One must take note that the hatred felt between Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansely stemmed from crimes in love. Jealousy is also effervescent in the storyline. Mrs. Slade admits to being jealous of her friend, while Mrs. Ansely secretly nurses her hidden love for Mrs. Slades late husband. After noticing these things, readers realize there are many possible themes in Whartons writing. The variety of themes provides foundation for a deepened plot.

Now, we can look at the strategy of plot in Roman Fever. Wharton excels in writing a gripping plot. Wharton builds a more powerful plot from the weakness of her characters. As the characters deteriorate within the pages, the plot thickens. The more distant the two friends go from each other, the better the story gets.