Editha themes. Literary Realism in Editha 2022-10-19
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Editha is a short story written by William Dean Howells in the late 19th century. The story follows the character of Editha, a young woman who becomes engaged to a man named George Gearson. Throughout the story, several themes are explored, including patriotism, gender roles, and the consequences of war.
Another theme in Editha is the role of gender in society. Editha is depicted as a strong and confident woman, who is not afraid to speak her mind and express her opinions. However, she is also shown to be somewhat naive and impulsive, and is ultimately unable to fully understand or appreciate the complexities and consequences of the war. This portrayal of Editha speaks to the societal expectations placed on women at the time, and the ways in which they were often seen as inferior to men.
A final theme in Editha is the consequences of war. Throughout the story, Editha remains convinced that the war is necessary and just, and that it will bring about a positive outcome for the country. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that the war is causing suffering and death, and that it is not as straightforward as Editha had originally believed. This realization forces Editha to confront the reality of war and its consequences, and to reevaluate her beliefs and values.
In conclusion, Editha is a story that explores several complex and thought-provoking themes, including patriotism, gender roles, and the consequences of war. These themes are explored through the characters of Editha and George, and offer a poignant commentary on the society of the time.
Romanticism and Realism in "Editha"
The Things They Carried A War Story Analysis 637 Words 3 Pages War is what denies an absolute truth in a war story. Literary Symbolism And Realism How did literary realism play a part in portraying Americans lives during the late 19th century? He seemed to despise it even more than he abhorred it. She knew what was in his mind, but she pretended not, and she said, "Oh, I am not sure," and then faltered. They let the war determine how they live and who they would become. Editha, representing the majority, is physically vigorous. Her mother rocked herself again for an interval of cogitation. Second, that the war is ordained by God, and third, that to fight for the country is to show devotion or loyalty.
She is further set up as a villain when she goes to visit Mrs. The behaviors and decisions that Huck make in this story show how this book is a perfect example of realism. Within her wilfulness she had been frightened by a sense of subtler force in him, and mystically mastered as she had never been before. He went on as if to himself, without apparently heeding her: "There's only one way of proving one's faith in a thing like this. I only knew him from my mother's report of him and his opinions; I don't know whether they were hers first; but they were hers last. She then decides to send her engagement ring and all of George's gifts and letters back to him. She believes that the war is glorious and that he must enlist and take part in this amazing disturbance of piece.
Later, George comes to Editha and reveals that he was the first in their community to sign up to fight. The blind support and romanticized feelings towards war represent the belief and the idealistic version of war that most people think of when they hear of war. Two major stories had a major description on what realism is. Editha sits on a porch convincing George to fight in the war. However, this essay focuses on one actress who did not share the same fate as most thespians.
It mayn't be such a walk-over as I supposed," and he laughed at the notion. Howells uses irony to illuminate the difference of perspective and conflict of interest between Editha and George. The second date is today's date â the date you are citing the material. Work Cited Howells, William Dean. Not let the soldier drink? I am a personal believer that war is never a necessary tool to bring forth a common goal. The other fellows will back down as soon as they see we mean it.
During their interaction, however, George expresses some clear reservations. But nothing will happen! Keep it--keep it--and read it sometime--" She thought, and then her inspiration came: "Read it if ever you doubt what you've done, or fear that I regret your having done it. In sharp contrast to Romanticism, everyday things characterized the writing of this time period. Fly Away Peter by David Malouf When the war breaks out, this tranquil little town seems like the last place on earth that could produce a team of vicious, violent soldiers. George and everyone else in the town join to fight. I ought to have been a preacher, after all; then I couldn't have asked it of myself, as I must, now I'm a lawyer. Gearson repeated, in a voice which was startlingly like George's again.
âEdithaâ: William Dean Howellsâ Reflection of America: [Essay Example], 1910 words GradesFixer
He has written more than one hundred books. Rather than being a villain of the story, Editha is displayed as a flawed human being, whose mind was also exploited by propaganda. Twain is a genius for the way he makes his writing seem realistic. George saw war as an irrational way for men, who were deemed rational beings, to settle a dispute. Whether or not this was Howells' intent, this story gives a negative connotation to the idea of women stepping out of their socially acceptable gender role.
Editha disagrees with the sentiment. Gearson is asking Editha why she would pressure her son to enlist in order to kill others and eventually be killed. . Besides, she felt, more subliminally, that he was never so near slipping through her fingers as when he took that meek way. It represents the realistic version of war that has been hidden behind theglamorizedmask of noble and honorable battles resulting in heroic victories.
It is a sad fact though, that war cannot be avoided. I guess he and mother agreed between them that I was to be brought up in his final mind about it; but that was before my time. It was not uncommon for William Dean Howells to express his opinions on political and social issues through his works of literature and it was also no secret that he strongly opposed the Spanish American War. No, I'll do the writing. Howells realist approach lends itself throughout this story; which is most apparent when George does not enlist until he is cajoled by mob-mentality after a night of drinking.
She kissed him back intensely, but irrelevantly, as to their passion, and uttered from deep in her throat. Summary: In William Dean Howells' short story, "Editha", the main character is an unusual woman, Editha, who has her own perfect ideals and pushes them on her lover, George, to ask him to fight in the Spanish-American War. This will be a blow to her. Realism was the subject of debate, controversy, this lead to a critical exchange titled as the Realism's War. The use of realistic or lifelike settings described by the author or narrated by a character, add a layer of realism to the story, even if the story itself is fictitious. Her mother said, "Oh, my! Several connections can be made between "Editha" and the Song "War" by Edwin Starr. She is also an ordinary woman; her evils are minimal, passions restrained, triumphs few Baggett, 2014.
In the story Howells not only brought his anti-war message about the dangers of war but also satirized the United States' governments that. Then there was a lapse into depths out of which it seemed as if she never could rise again; then a lift into clouds far above all grief, black clouds, that blotted out the sun, but where she soared with him, with George--George! Through each character, Howells presents a contrasting view of war. Understandably, this left the bitter taste of war in both Mr. But you wish me to believe so, too? He did this by comparing and contrasting American culture with those of other countries. I--" She felt herself lifted with his rising, and Gearson was saying, with his arm still round her, to her father: "Well, we're off at once, Mr.
