Understanding Editha's Actions

Charlotte Lewis Michelle Williams ENG 232 April 4, 2024 Understanding Editha’s Actions Would you send the person you love off to war? Would your push for them to enlist be dishonorable? William Dean Howells, captures how idealism can cause a person’s views on war to do just that in the short story “Editha”. Published in 1905, “Editha” captures the romantic thought that some possessed about the Spanish-American War. Editha, the main character, pushes her fiancé to enlist in the war due to her romanization of the war and society’s expectations. As often happens in idealistic ideas, the reality does not turn out to fulfill expectations. When Editha is told of the war that is coming, she expresses her view of the conflict by kissing her fiancé and stating “How glorious!” (Howells, C-353). Her attitude is a

Ultimately, George makes the decision to enlist, a decision which is built on the aspiration to please Editha. This is the decision that cost George his life. The effect of this decision on other people in George’s life is seen when Editha goes to visit Mrs. Gearson, George’s mother. This is a request made by George to be fulfilled upon his death. Upon arrival, Mrs. Gearson makes it clear that she is aware of Editha’s influence on her son’s decision to enlist. His mother doesn’t hesitate to inform Editha of her view of the fatality and impropriety of her actions. For a brief moment, Editha seemed to understand the gravity of her actions. The revelation causes her to understand where she went wrong with her choices. Sadly, this is a realization that is short-lived. When Editha’s companion states that the words and actions of Mrs. Greason were vulgar, Editha feels that her guilt is lifted and she reverts back to her idealistic thinking. Through the idealistic and romantic thought process and society’s expectations, Editha loses the man she