Roman Fever by Edith Wharton - Lecture Notes

Introduction

• The story begins with two American women, Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley, of middle age, standing on a terrace in a Roman restaurant.
• They overhear mocking comments from younger women about them being old-fashioned.
• The story is set against the backdrop of the Palatine and the Forum.

Characters

• Mrs. Slade: Described as having high color and energetic black eyebrows. Once the wife of a famous lawyer, she tries to navigate life as a widow.
• Mrs. Ansley: Smaller, paler, and more reserved. A widow as well, with a daughter named Barbara (Babs).
• Barbara (Babs): Mrs. Ansley’s daughter, known for her dynamic personality.
• Jenny: Mrs. Slade's daughter, described as perfect and angelic.

Setting and Plot

• The women reminisce about their past in Rome when they were young and how their roles as mothers have changed.
• They reflect on the generational differences in perceptions of romance and danger.
• The women discuss an old story about a Roman fever that claimed the life of Mrs. Ansley’s great aunt.

The Past Revealed

• Mrs. Slade reveals her jealousy towards Mrs. Ansley, stemming from an old incident involving a fake letter.
• Mrs. Slade had written a letter, pretending to be her fiancé, to lure Mrs. Ansley to the Coliseum.
• Mrs. Slade confesses she did this out of hatred and jealousy.

Climax

• Mrs. Ansley reveals she had answered the letter and met Delphin (Mrs. Slade’s fiancé) at the Coliseum.
• The revelation shocks Mrs. Slade, realizing her plan to deceive Mrs. Ansley had backfired.

Resolution

• Mrs. Slade feels she had everything, unlike Mrs. Ansley, who supposedly only had a letter.
• Mrs. Ansley reveals that she had a daughter, Barbara, implying she was fathered by Delphin.
• The story ends with Mrs. Ansley moving ahead, leaving Mrs. Slade to reflect on the revelation.

Themes

• Jealousy and Deception: The driving force behind the conflict and the revelation of the past.
• Motherhood: Explored through the contrasting relationships with their daughters.
• Romance and Memory: Reflects on how past decisions impacted their present lives.

Symbolism

• Roman Fever: Symbolizes the passions and dangers of love and rivalry.
• The Coliseum: Represents history and the backdrop for the critical encounter.

Conclusion

• The story explores deep-seated emotions and past secrets that impact the present.
• Mrs. Ansley’s final revelation leaves Mrs. Slade to question her assumptions and past actions.