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.
One of the main themes in Editha is patriotism. Editha is a strong and vocal supporter of the American government and its actions, including the ongoing Spanish-American War. She sees the war as a necessary and righteous endeavor, and is willing to sacrifice herself and others for the cause. However, her patriotism is not fully understood or appreciated by her fiancé, George, who is more skeptical and critical of the war. This conflict between Editha and George highlights the different ways that people can view and express their patriotism, and how these views can be at odds with each other.
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.