Set against the romantic yet deceptive backdrop of Rome, Edith Wharton’s short storyRoman Feverexplores the intricate layers of female rivalry, social expectations, and the devastating effects of secrecy. First published in 1934, the narrative centers on two middle-aged American women, Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley, who sit overlooking the ruins of the Roman Forum. As they reminisce and chat, a tension simmers beneath their seemingly polite conversation. What begins as a leisurely evening between old friends soon unravels into a striking revelation of betrayal and long-hidden truths. With sharp irony and masterful psychological insight, Wharton usesRoman Feverto dissect the complexities of femininity, friendship, and competition in a rigidly structured society.
Setting and Atmosphere
Rome is not just a physical setting inRoman Fever; it acts as a symbolic landscape, embodying the grandeur of the past and the shadows of hidden desires. The city’s ruins mirror the fractured emotional terrain of the two women. From the Palatine Hill to the Colosseum, Wharton uses these historical sites to juxtapose the external beauty of the city with the internal turmoil of her characters. The fading light and cooling air mark the passage of time, both literal and metaphorical, setting the stage for confessions and confrontation. The setting enhances the psychological depth of the story, offering a richly textured atmosphere that mirrors the layered emotional experience of the protagonists.
Character Analysis
Mrs. Alida Slade
Alida Slade is presented as confident, talkative, and slightly condescending. She once viewed herself as vibrant and daring, married to the prominent Delphin Slade, a successful lawyer. Throughout the story, she reveals a subtle jealousy and bitterness, especially regarding her perception of Grace Ansley’s more restrained personality. Alida prides herself on her flair and intellect but hides deep insecurities. Her sense of superiority gradually crumbles as past truths come to light.
Mrs. Grace Ansley
Grace Ansley, in contrast, is quieter and more introspective. She is painted as more demure and traditionally feminine. While Alida sees Grace as dull and passive, the climax of the story challenges this perception. Grace is not merely a background figure; she carries a significant secret that rewrites their shared history. Her calm demeanor hides a powerful truth and a quiet strength that upends Alida’s assumptions.
Plot and Narrative Structure
The story unfolds largely in dialogue between the two women, a technique that allows the layers of their relationship to peel back gradually. Their conversation, filled with personal memories and veiled jabs, creates a sense of rising tension. Wharton skillfully delays the climactic revelation until the final lines, ensuring the emotional impact is sharp and lasting. The structure mirrors a duel of sorts, with each woman revealing her own version of the past, culminating in a truth that redefines their lives.
Theme of Jealousy and Rivalry
One of the dominant themes inRoman Feveris the long-standing rivalry between Alida and Grace. Although outwardly friends, their relationship has always been tinged with envy and competition, especially over Delphin Slade. Alida’s revelation that she sent a forged letter to lure Grace into the Roman Forum on a dangerous night hoping to humiliate or even endanger her exposes the deep cruelty masked by social politeness. The irony is profound the very scheme Alida devised to eliminate her rival resulted in Grace conceiving a child with Delphin, a fact unknown to Alida until the final twist. This reversal of power highlights how deeply jealousy can shape lives over decades.
Secrets, Deception, and Social Expectations
Wharton’s story critiques the rigid moral and social codes of the early 20th century, especially among upper-class women. The characters must navigate their desires within a society that limits female agency. The expectations of propriety lead them to mask their true feelings and intentions. Grace’s secret her daughter Barbara’s true parentage remains hidden for over twenty-five years. Alida’s manipulation is also a product of the same societal pressure to secure status and love within narrow norms. Both women have participated in deception, shaped by the silent rules of their environment.
The Symbolism of Roman Fever”
The term Roman fever originally referred to malaria, which tourists were warned about when visiting Rome. In the story, it also becomes a metaphor for forbidden passion and repressed desire. The fever that Grace supposedly caught on her night visit to the Forum becomes symbolic of the emotional intensity and sexual freedom she briefly experienced freedom that society tried to suppress. The “fever” represents the dangerous allure of breaking social rules, of living authentically even if just for one night. Wharton uses this metaphor to expose the consequences and power of suppressed emotions.
Feminine Identity and Power
Roman Feverchallenges traditional notions of feminine weakness and passivity. Though both women operate within the bounds of genteel society, they possess agency and power, though it is often expressed through subtle or manipulative means. Grace, who appears submissive, ultimately has the upper hand. Alida, who believes she controlled the narrative, learns that her greatest rival lived a secret victory. The story subtly critiques the limited avenues through which women could exercise control in their lives and relationships. Through sharp wit and emotional complexity, Wharton shows that the power dynamics among women are not always as they appear.
Irony and Narrative Twist
The final line of the story delivers a powerful twist Grace quietly reveals, I had Barbara. With this single sentence, everything the reader has come to believe about the characters is overturned. The moment is a masterstroke of irony. Alida, who thought she had cleverly engineered a situation to damage Grace, instead discovers that her rival has held a profound secret for decades. The twist not only shocks but forces a reevaluation of the entire narrative. Wharton’s use of irony is not just a literary device it’s a tool to expose how often the truth is buried under layers of appearances and assumptions.
Legacy and Literary Impact
Edith Wharton’sRoman Feverremains a staple of literary analysis for its concise storytelling, psychological insight, and subtle feminist commentary. It continues to resonate with modern readers for its exploration of emotional complexity, friendship, and betrayal. The story’s ability to compress a lifetime of unspoken tension into a single evening’s conversation showcases Wharton’s mastery of the short fiction form. Whether read as a feminist critique, a tale of revenge, or a study of human weakness,Roman Feverremains an unforgettable work that captures the inner lives of women with precision and empathy.
Roman Feverby Edith Wharton is a brilliant exploration of female rivalry, hidden desires, and the social structures that shape behavior. With rich symbolism, nuanced characters, and a compelling plot, it invites readers to question appearances and uncover deeper truths. The story reveals how easily friendships can be corroded by envy and how long-buried secrets can redefine relationships. Wharton’s psychological depth and literary craftsmanship ensure thatRoman Feverremains an enduring work, as relevant today as when it was first published.