Roman Fever: The Symbols of Architecture

In her short story, Roman Fever, Edith Wharton presents the reader with conversation held between two women on holiday in Rome. It begins innocently enough, but it soon reveals a level of enmity between Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley that is juxtaposed against the picturesque Roman setting. Although the seriousness of this exchange is not made readily apparent to the reader (nor to Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley for that matter) until about halfway through the story, a great deal about the tone and subtext of this interchange can be derived from the architecture the author specifically makes a note to mention throughout the course of the story.

The first monument the author mentions is the Forum. Otherwise known as Forum Romanum, in ancient Rome this served as its center and housed some of the most important buildings of its time – including the Palace of the Caesars, the Senate and several temples. A site that was sure to inspire awe, this location contained the seat of Roman power. However, the story takes place long after the glorious days of ancient Rome, and the Forum is naught but ruins – only hinting at its past wondrous glory. The two women of this story are the same, the glory days of their youth are over and their hearts lay in ruins, devastated by the loss of loved ones. All Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley have left of the golden age of their lives are their daughters, who symbolize the great monuments created in more glorious days.

On an interesting note, Mrs. Ansley's angry and defiant tone is underscored by Wharton through the mention of the Colosseum. Ironic and fitting, this monument’s history in bloodshed and battle serves as a great metaphor for the relationship between Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley. Although no physical wounds are inflicted and no blood is shed, Mrs. Ansley’s past attempt to rid herself of Mrs. Slade by sending her into the cold of the Colosseum serves as a reminder of the Colosseum's ultimate purpose - to destroy one's enemy in the harshest manner possible.

In summation, Wharton obviously knew the great and bloody history of Rome and its definitive architecture. Her masterful use of the Roman landmarks as symbols for the dynamics of the tense relationship between Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley only serve to create a richer story for those readers who have taken the time to learn their ancient history.