Roman Fever Symbolism

Whartons papistic febri urban center In Edith Whartons roman letters Fever, the screen background takes place in the romantic city of Rome, on the balcony of a casual Roman restaurant. Two wealthy American widows, Mrs. Ansley and Mrs. Slade, be sitting together carrying on a conversation from afternoon to evening. From the restaurant, the two women argon overseeing the ruins of the ancient city of Rome. clothe Ansley and Alida Slades conversation from afternoon to evening, the colosseum, the ancient ruins, and Grace Ansleys knitting all thrust important meanings. The afternoon light is the final stage hours of friendship and kindness that the two ladies let on for individually other.When the two ladies finally capture getting deeper into their conversation they begin to work up an envious relationship that takes place at dawn. The evening darkness is Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansleys entree to the dark secrets and rivalry that they have for each(prenominal) other. The colosse um is symbolic for the battlefield where Mrs. Ansley and Mrs. Slade fought for the man that they loved. Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley insure the gladiatorial tradition. In this battle, Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley use their intent of lies, daughters and husbands as weapons to criticize on each other.The ruins of the romantic city of Rome be also significant. The ruins is like Mrs. Ansley and Mrs. Slades decaying relationship. In the end their friendship collapses. In Roman Fever, Grace Ansley is knitting with inflamed silk throughout most of the story. There ar many different manners in which knitting is used. Mrs. Ansley knitting is a way for her to cover up her agitation and the criminality of her past. The knitting represents the complicated, twisted relationship and keep that these women have. The crimson silk is symbolic for passion and love.