Question

How does the knowledge of William Dean Howells’s background enhance your understanding of the story "Editha"?

Answer 1

Knowing that Howells was associated with the press explains his focus on truthful depictions of events. It also explains the backdrop of the story—the effects of patriotic propaganda in newspapers and magazines to garner public support and manipulate the emotions of their readers.

Answer 2

Answer:

William Dean Howells was an American writer who was a representative of the realism movement. His work is characterized by criticizing social injustices and violence, as well as imperialism and the Spanish war. By knowing this, it is easier to understand “Editha”, which is a story that talks about a girl that believes in war while her fiancée does not. This feeling of “patriotism” leads him to premature death.  In this story, the author expresses his strong opposition to war and to those who agree with it.