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Fantastic writers have the distinct capability to turn easy words into a literary work of art. In Edith Wharton's "Roman Fever" Wharton exposes her style of "illicit passion" through the innovative usage of literary devices. On the surface, Mrs. Ansley and Mrs. Slade are 2 old pals reminiscing about the past. Upon closer review, a troubled second story emerges by method of the subtle usage of significance throughout the story. Wharton's proficient use of symbolism foreshadows the metaphorical destroying of Mrs. Slade. Color is effectively used by Wharton to evoke a sensation of what is to come.
"Half guiltily she drew from her handsomely mounted black hand-bag a twist of crimson silk gone through by two fine knitting needles" (Wharton 114).
The color black is a stereotypical sign, synonymous with secret, death and or ill will. Crimson or red relates to strong emotions such as love, enthusiasm, hostility and enjoyment. Even more telling, the knitting needles are representatively impaling the red twist of silk.
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Associating these colors and images with Mrs. Ansley suggests that her character has a lot more to expose than what is on the surface.
Wharton uses Mrs. Ansley's knitting as a way to expose her character. When the topic of old memories shows up Mrs. Ansley nervously goes back to her knitting with the hopes that Mrs. Slade will not see through her cool exterior. "'Oh, no," Mrs. Ansley accelerated to ensure her. "I don't care to at all. It's so lovely here; therefore loaded with old memories, as you say." She settled herself in her chair, and practically furtively drew forth her knitting" (117 ).
Mrs. Ansley utilizes the knitting as a way to prevent Mrs. Slade's look. When the conversation ends up being uncomfortable for Mrs.
Ansley that is when she steps up the knitting so as not to appear nervous or fidgety. She hides her feelings of guilt and uneasiness behind the busy activity of knitting. The title of the story has symbolic overtones. In earlier years, Malaria was referred to as Roman Fever. American tourists visiting Rome believed that exposure to the alternating cool and hot climates would render them ill with Roman Fever. “’The sun’s set. You’re not afraid, my dear? ” “Afraid-? ” “Of Roman Fever or pneumonia? I remember how ill you were that winter. As a girl you had a very delicate throat, hadn’t you?
”” (118). The title of the story “Roman Fever” evokes a feeling of impending doom. The Colosseum is historically known as a place of mortal combat therefore, its’ presence in the story is symbolic. The main conflict between these two women takes place where many gladiators publicly fought and lost their lives in years past. Mrs. Slade wanted to deliver the same fate to Mrs. Ansley by deceptively leading her there. Mrs. Slade proudly admits to writing the phony letter which led Mrs. Ansley to the Colosseum to meet Delphin. “Why not? Listen, if you don’t believe me.
‘My one darling, things can’t go on like this. I must see you alone. Come to the Colosseum immediately after dark tomorrow. There will be somebody to let you in. No one whom you need fear will suspect’ –but perhaps you’ve forgotten what the letter said? ” (119) Men competed and battled for their lives in the Colosseum, so too, Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley compete for a man in the Colosseum. Without literary devices like symbolism the story would simply be words on a page. Wharton thoughtfully places elements of symbolism throughout the story adding depth, mystery and intrigue.
The crimson color of the silk, the way Mrs. Ansley busily knits her way out of conversations and the conflict at the Colosseum all allude to a surprising conclusion. Wharton cleverly reveals her theme “illicit passion” through this strategic symbolism foreshadowing a climatic ending. Mrs. Slade attempted to lead Mrs. Ansley to her death, but in the end it was Mrs. Ansley who figuratively stabs Mrs. Slade in the heart, a symbolic execution.
Roman Fever Analysis Titled. (2016, Sep 13). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/roman-fever-analysis-titled-essay
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