Realism in W.D. Howells short story Editha.
For W.D. Howells, realism is an expression of truth that exposes every aspect of human existence, crude or noble, and presents it beautifully through the experiences of the writer. His short story, Editha, clearly exemplifies these characteristics by use of real philosophical questions that express the search for truth in which every man is submerged, the continuous exposure of the true feelings of a disappointed mother which serve as a hook to the real world, and the discovery of flaws in George, who is everything but a hero.
In the short story, Editha, the author exemplifies the truth in realism accompanied by philosophical inquiry that enlightens every aspect of human existence. Realism is exemplified …show more content…
In W.D. Howells’s story, George’s mother is the hook that connects a fictitious story to real life. Mrs. Gearson’s rejection of the war, and the unwillingness to talk about it are factors that show the miseries that follow the cessation of belligerent action. This abhorrence is somewhat clear in George’s speech about war and his mother: “She won’t like my doing this. She brought me up to think war a fool thing as well as a bad thing […] This will be a blow to her” (Baym, p.313). Now the true impact of the war is sensed as a grieving mother indoctrinates her son so that when the times comes, he will wisely reject going to battle. Unlike romantic authors with their romantic tales, war, as seen by a realist, is the summation of revenge, power, grieve and remorse that may destroy and distort the human soul. In this particular case, Mrs. Gearson is the character who portrays these sentiments in an explicit manner. Furthermore, the loss of a husband (at least his arm) and a son have created a pessimistic being that abhors the thought of war and the pains of it, and this too contributes to the exposure of truth – in this story the truth is bitter and looks down upon the overtly patriotic- in W.D. Howells narrative. Then again, war is …show more content…
In the story, there is not a heroic male figure who functions as the epitome of manliness or good morals, to the contrary, a coward and timid man is the only dynamic male character that groups some of the true characteristics of manhood. This realist perception is observed in Editha, who desires George to leap out of his passivity and indecisiveness and be a hero for her and her country: “But now, it flashed upon her, if he could do something to have won her – to be a hero, her hero – it would be better than if he had done it before asking her” (Baym, p.308). George, who depicts the quality of a real man from the era, is easily carried away by emotions and lacks the usual dignity and sharp thinking that is characteristic of some male romantic characters. This childish brevity of thought in George is observed when he tells Editha of his new rank in the Army: “I suggested volunteering then and there, and I wrote my name first of all on the roster. Then they elected me – that’s all. I wish I had some ice-water” (Baym, p.311). George is presented as a stubborn man that acts on his passions and his desire to please Editha. Also, in the short story, the audience knows a man who is depicted as inferior and less patriotic than a young woman. In several occasions George expresses that he feels inferior when compared to
For W.D. Howells, realism is an expression of truth that exposes every aspect of human existence, crude or noble, and presents it beautifully through the experiences of the writer. His short story, Editha, clearly exemplifies these characteristics by use of real philosophical questions that express the search for truth in which every man is submerged, the continuous exposure of the true feelings of a disappointed mother which serve as a hook to the real world, and the discovery of flaws in George, who is everything but a hero.
In the short story, Editha, the author exemplifies the truth in realism accompanied by philosophical inquiry that enlightens every aspect of human existence. Realism is exemplified …show more content…
In W.D. Howells’s story, George’s mother is the hook that connects a fictitious story to real life. Mrs. Gearson’s rejection of the war, and the unwillingness to talk about it are factors that show the miseries that follow the cessation of belligerent action. This abhorrence is somewhat clear in George’s speech about war and his mother: “She won’t like my doing this. She brought me up to think war a fool thing as well as a bad thing […] This will be a blow to her” (Baym, p.313). Now the true impact of the war is sensed as a grieving mother indoctrinates her son so that when the times comes, he will wisely reject going to battle. Unlike romantic authors with their romantic tales, war, as seen by a realist, is the summation of revenge, power, grieve and remorse that may destroy and distort the human soul. In this particular case, Mrs. Gearson is the character who portrays these sentiments in an explicit manner. Furthermore, the loss of a husband (at least his arm) and a son have created a pessimistic being that abhors the thought of war and the pains of it, and this too contributes to the exposure of truth – in this story the truth is bitter and looks down upon the overtly patriotic- in W.D. Howells narrative. Then again, war is …show more content…
In the story, there is not a heroic male figure who functions as the epitome of manliness or good morals, to the contrary, a coward and timid man is the only dynamic male character that groups some of the true characteristics of manhood. This realist perception is observed in Editha, who desires George to leap out of his passivity and indecisiveness and be a hero for her and her country: “But now, it flashed upon her, if he could do something to have won her – to be a hero, her hero – it would be better than if he had done it before asking her” (Baym, p.308). George, who depicts the quality of a real man from the era, is easily carried away by emotions and lacks the usual dignity and sharp thinking that is characteristic of some male romantic characters. This childish brevity of thought in George is observed when he tells Editha of his new rank in the Army: “I suggested volunteering then and there, and I wrote my name first of all on the roster. Then they elected me – that’s all. I wish I had some ice-water” (Baym, p.311). George is presented as a stubborn man that acts on his passions and his desire to please Editha. Also, in the short story, the audience knows a man who is depicted as inferior and less patriotic than a young woman. In several occasions George expresses that he feels inferior when compared to