Foil Characters In Roman Fever

Why is the term “frenemy,” depicting an unhappy friendship, commonly used among women is society? Although one may not agree, by analyzing Alida Slade and Grace Ansley, rivals in love and life, one can concur that by utilizing juxtaposition and tone, Wharton creates a dynamic character foil: two women that share distinct characteristics, but also possess contrasting personalities. In the short story, “Roman Fever,” by Edith Wharton, the audience learns about two characters whom share a long and complicated past. Wharton’s tone is harsh when illustrating Slade’s relationship with her daughter, Jenny. She states, “[Slade] wished that Jenny would fall in love- with the wrong man, even; that she might have to be watched, out-maneuvered, rescued.” (Wharton). This exemplifies Slade’s judgemental attitude towards her “boring” and “annoyingly perfect” daughter. It further explains why Slade might be jealous of Ansley’s daughter, unlike Ansley who is very proud and content with her daughter. Wharton uses this harsher tone to paint a picture of the detached, exasperated, and ungrateful mother who comes across as a tricky, vain, and cold woman. …show more content…
Ansley thought Alida Slade was disappointed; on the whole she had a sad life. Full of failures and mistakes; Mrs. Ansley had always been rather sorry for her.” (Wharton). This quote is a prime example of the way in which Ansley is also portrayed as judgemental; although, her personality is not grim like Alida Slade’s. Instead, Ansley pities Slade’s naivety, and believes her self to be superior. The aforementioned juxtaposition helps Wharton depict a relationship in which Grace Ansley and Alida Slade compliment each other in a literary sense of good and