Roman Fever Questions and Answers
Roman Fever
The Colosseum as a symbol in "Roman Fever" and its importance to the story
In "Roman Fever," the Colosseum symbolizes the enduring nature of past conflicts and emotions. It serves as a backdrop to the unfolding drama between the two main characters, highlighting the ancient...
Roman Fever
Setting and Conflict in "Roman Fever"
In Edith Wharton's "Roman Fever," the main conflict is between Mrs. Alida Slade and Mrs. Grace Ansley, two "frenemies" who harbor hidden rivalries over Delphin Slade. The setting in Rome intensifies...
Roman Fever
Dramatic Irony and Tensions in Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley's Relationship in "Roman Fever"
In Edith Wharton's "Roman Fever," the relationship between Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley evolves from superficial politeness to a revelation of deep-seated animosity. Initially, Mrs. Slade perceives...
Roman Fever
Moral Lessons and Symbolism in "Roman Fever"
"Roman Fever" by Edith Wharton explores themes of irony and jealousy through the symbolic title, which refers to both malaria and the destructive passions between the characters. The story reveals...
Roman Fever
Alida Slade's Characterization and Inner Conflicts in "Roman Fever"
In Edith Wharton's "Roman Fever," Alida Slade is characterized as a jealous and spiteful woman, struggling with her loss of social identity and envy towards her friend, Grace Ansley. Alida's inner...
Roman Fever
Significance and Evolution of "Roman Fever" in Wharton's Story
In Edith Wharton's "Roman Fever," the title holds both literal and figurative significance. Literally, it refers to a disease contracted in Rome's cool evening air, while figuratively, it symbolizes...
Roman Fever
What is the importance of the setting in "Roman Fever" to the girls' relationship?
The setting of Rome in "Roman Fever" is crucial as it contrasts with the restrictive Victorian New York society, allowing the characters to shed their primness. This freedom enables the younger...
Roman Fever
How does Alida Spade's view of her life change after her husband's death in "Roman Fever"?
After her husband's death, Alida Slade finds her life dull compared to the vibrant days when she was engaged in his social and business activities. She now seeks excitement through her daughter's...
Roman Fever
What is the symbolic meaning of Barbara's quote "Let us leave the young things to their knitting" in "Roman Fever"?
Barbara's quote "Let us leave the young things to their knitting" in "Roman Fever" is symbolic and ironic. It highlights the generational gap between the older women, Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley, and...
Roman Fever
What does the "wrong end of the telescope" comment mean in paragraph 24 of "Roman Fever"?
The "wrong end of the telescope" comment in paragraph 24 of "Roman Fever" means that Alida and Grace view each other in a way that diminishes the other. They regard each other with pity and...
Roman Fever
Naturalism and Realism in "Roman Fever"
Edith Wharton's "Roman Fever" incorporates both naturalism and realism. Naturalism is evident in the characters' primal instincts, as Mrs. Slade's jealousy leads her to risk Mrs. Ansley's health,...
Roman Fever
In "Roman Fever," how does Rome differ between generations?
In "Roman Fever," Rome symbolizes different experiences across generations. For the grandmothers, it represented the dangers of Roman fever, while for the mothers, it involved sentimental risks such...
Roman Fever
What is the symbolism of knitting and the Colosseum in "Roman Fever"?
In "Roman Fever," knitting symbolizes Mrs. Ansley's composure and contentment, contrasting with Mrs. Slade's jealousy and unrest. Mrs. Ansley's calm demeanor is disrupted when Mrs. Slade reveals she...
Roman Fever
In "Roman Fever," why didn't Grace make Delphin choose between her and Alida?
Grace Ansley did not make Delphin choose between her and Alida due to societal pressures and the consequences of exposing their affair. At the time, revealing such a relationship would have led to...
Roman Fever
How does societal expectations of women affect the main character's actions in "Roman Fever"?
The main character's gender had a large effect on her actions, as it did with all women of the time. Society and expectation forced women to behave in certain ways, and to conform to societal...
Roman Fever
What devices does the author use to imply Mrs. Slade's superiority in Roman Fever?
Wharton portrays Alida as a dominant personality and Grace as an underwhelming one; in so doing, she makes the twist ending all the more surprising and satisfying.
Roman Fever
What is the significance of "Roman Fever" to Grace Ansley in the story?
The significance of "Roman fever" to Grace Ansley lies in its dual meaning of both an illness and intense passion. For Grace, it represents a night of passionate rendezvous, resulting in the birth of...
Roman Fever
In "Roman Fever," why does Mrs. Slade dislike references to the moon?
Mrs. Slade dislikes references to the moon because it symbolizes lost youth and romance, reminding her of past passions that she can no longer reclaim. The moon also recalls a deceitful event from...
Roman Fever
Who is the narrator of "Roman Fever" by Edith Wharton?
The narrator is omniscient, can see and hear the characters' speech and thoughts.
Roman Fever
Does "Roman Fever" favor Mrs. Slade, Mrs. Ansley, or neither? Does it favor one woman's behavior?
I think that the story favors Mrs. Ansley over Mrs. Slade, because she is sympathetic and Mrs. Slade wants to hurt her, but instead it is Mrs. Ansell who has the most surprising news to tell about...
Roman Fever
In "Roman Fever", is the friendship between Alida and Grace fueled by a destructive passion?
Alida and Grace's friendship is nurtured by a destructive passion. Mrs. Slade is the source of this passion, since she is the one who consistently aims to victimize and humiliate Mrs. Ansley.
Roman Fever
What is the meaning of the following paragraph from "Roman Fever"?
The paragraph reveals the difference in Mrs. Slade's life after her husband's death and how she is trying to cope with this change in circumstance. The passage shows Alida's concern that now she only...
Roman Fever
Did Grace tell Horace he wasn't Barbara's biological father in "Roman Fever"?
Grace Ansley likely never told her husband, Horace, that Barbara was not his biological daughter in "Roman Fever." The narrative suggests Grace was discreet and self-contained, characteristics that...
Roman Fever
How does dramatic irony play out in "Roman Fever"?
Dramatic irony in "Roman Fever" is evident as the reader gradually learns truths unknown to the characters, creating tension and anticipation. Wharton subtly reveals hidden depths and secrets through...
Roman Fever
Analysis and Commentary on Edith Wharton's "Roman Fever"
Edith Wharton's "Roman Fever" explores themes of jealousy, rivalry, and the complexities of female friendships. The story reveals the hidden emotions and past secrets between two women, Mrs. Slade...
Roman Fever
Should Jenny be wary of Barbara in Wharton's "Roman Fever" considering their past?
Yes, Jenny should be wary of Barbara.
Roman Fever
What do Rome's different meanings to mothers and daughters reveal about generational behavior standards? How does...
The answer to the above question is that Mrs. Slade's jealousy of Mrs. Ansley causes her to reveal the long-hidden secret.
Roman Fever
What does Delphin Slade's character in "Roman Fever" reveal about Mrs. Ansley and Mrs. Slade?
Delphin Slade's character highlights the dynamics between Mrs. Ansley and Mrs. Slade. His attractiveness and success drew both women to him, yet his infidelity with Grace Ansley reveals his lack of...
Roman Fever
"Roman Fever" explores marriages based on status and wealth
Yes, "Roman Fever" by Edith Wharton explores marriages based on status and wealth, highlighting how societal pressures and material desires influence relationships. The story delves into the...
Roman Fever
In "Roman Fever," how does Edith Wharton criticize American society's Puritan morality double standard?
Edith Wharton's "Roman Fever" critiques the double standard of American Puritan morality by contrasting the strict societal expectations of women in the Victorian Age with their true passions and...
Roman Fever
What does the Forum symbolize in Wharton's "Roman Fever"?
In "Roman Fever," the Forum symbolizes sensual passion and the site of personal victories and defeats. For Mrs. Ansley, it represents a cherished memory of youthful passion and triumph over her...
Roman Fever
What does Mrs. Slade's description of her friend in "Roman Fever" reveal about her?
Mrs. Slade's description of Mrs. Ansley in "Roman Fever" reveals her as opinionated and abrasive, reflecting a deep-seated rivalry and contempt. She belittles Mrs. Ansley's past beauty and criticizes...
Roman Fever
What is the resolution of "Roman Fever"?
The resolution of "Roman Fever" reveals a shocking twist rather than a traditional resolution. Mrs. Ansley discloses that her daughter, Barbara, is actually the child of Mrs. Slade's husband,...
Roman Fever
In "Roman Fever," what is your reaction to Mrs. Slade's confession?
In "Roman Fever," Mrs. Slade's confession is offered as a means of destroying the woman whom she has harbored jealous feelings toward for decades. If the goal of sharing a truth is to harm someone,...
Roman Fever
How does analyzing plot and character revelation in "Roman Fever" help identify the theme?
Analyzing the plot and character revelation in "Roman Fever" highlights themes of rivalry and passion. The story's plot centers on the rivalry between Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley, both competing for...
Roman Fever
What details in Part 1 of "Roman Fever" highlight differences between Alida Slade and Alicia Ansley?
Part 1 of "Roman Fever" highlights the differences between Alida Slade and Grace Ansley through their perceptions of each other. Alida views Grace as shy, sentimental, and lacking self-confidence,...