"Editha"

Term Paper # 97403

English > Analysis
Literature > American

"Editha"

An analysis of the motives behind William Dean Howell's "Editha."

1,140 words () | 1 source | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses "Editha," by William Dean Howell and the concern that he expresses over the United States' involvement in war and the motives behind their involvement. The paper focuses on Howell's motives behind writing the paper, his nationalism and his relationships. It then describes how these issues all tie together to produce the outlook that he expresses in "Editha."

From the Paper:

"William Dean Howells, author of "Editha", is not only known for writing short stories and novels, but he is also known for publishing many stories that were for more than just entertainment. In "Editha," it is obvious that Howells is concerned with the nation's involvement in war; quite possibly more concerned with the motives behind our involvement than the actual actions we take. But Howells also seems to be concerned with a smaller, more personal matter, the relationship between the two main characters. Perhaps Howells wants us to notice, and question, not only the motives behind large issues such as nationalism; he also wants us to notice, and question, the motives behind smaller issues, such as our everyday relationships."