Roman Fever Essay

The relationship between Grace Ansley and Alisa Slade in Edith Whaton’s Roman Fever is one of much complexity. Mrs. Ansley and Mrs. Slade camaraderie is based on a collective begrudging nature. In this short story, the author writes of two gray women who are on vacation in Rome with their daughters, conversing about their past. Which brings up buried feelings and uncovers hidden secrets. Mrs. Alisa Slade contemplated the difference between her daughter Jenny and Mrs. Grace Ansley’s daughter Barbara. Mrs. Slade states, “I always wanted an brilliant daughter… never quite understood why I got an angel instead.” Mrs. Slade envies Mrs. Ansley for her daughter. Mrs. Slade also states in regard to Mrs. Ansley, “I knew you were in love with Delphin.” The author’s choice of detail in this sentence exposes Mrs. Ansley’s feelings toward Mr. Slade and helps to better build the complexity of the two women’s relationship. Moreover conveys the two women’s jealousy for each other. Mrs. Ansley’s jealousy of Mrs. Slade’s Husband and Mrs. Slade’s jealousy of Mrs. Ansley for having this affair that resulted in Mrs. Ansley’s daughter Barbara,

That covers the hate each woman has for the other. This is revealed when the text reads, “And I remember laughing to myself all that evening at the idea that you were waiting around there in the dark…of course I was upset when I heard you were so ill afterward.” Through this outburst that Mrs. Slade says to Mrs. Ansley it discloses the anger Mrs. Slade has for her, but also the still caring nature she had, after all Mrs. Ansley is still her friend. Additionally, Mrs. Ansley delivers a direct blow to Mrs. Slade when she states, “He’d arranged everything. He was there….” She is discussing with Mrs. Slade about the night she had the affair, but in the end still shows her remorse for Mrs. Slade when she goes on to say, “I’m sorry for