Question

Which aspect of Editha's character does the following excerpt from William Dean Howells's short story "Editha" reveal?

Answer 1

Answer:

A) Empty idealism .

Explanation:

William Dean Howell's short story "Editha," tells the story of the titled character and how her glorious perception of the war led her fiancé to join the war. And because of her romanticized perception of the war led to the death of the fiancé.

In the given passage from the story, the narrator reveals how Editha had changed from her "glorified" belief of the war. She had initially romanticized the war but after her fiancé had been killed, she now believes that the sacrifice was needed, "parroting the current phrases of the newspapers." Her opinions and beliefs change with the change in narration or reports of the media. This shows her empty idealistic beliefs in the war.

Thus, the correct answer is option A.