us!’” (458). Once more, when we (the readers) are informed by the author that Editha, “… had believed in the war from the beginning” (459), to tell the truth we find Editha seems gung-ho about the war, “’…I call any war glorious that is for the liberation of people…’” (459). In addition, when her mother suggests she has done a wicked thing, Editha announces her possible intent; “’I haven’t done anything—yet’” (461). Editha manifests to have a time-honored belief with the notion of war, “…I call it a sacred war. A war for liberty and humanity…you will see it just as I do, yet”(459). Another time her position is presented when she says, “You don’t belong to yourself now; you don’t even belong to me. You belong to your country…” (463). Howells illustrates Editha’s romanticism when he presents the pretty box in which she keeps her letters and old flowers. Along with the fact she, “enshrines” her engagement ring in the “heart” of the packet, placed in the box because she had a feeling that George may not do what she expected of him, “He went away without kissing her, and she felt it a suspension of their engagement”(460). Later she even gives the impression of entertaining herself with the thought that if George were to lose an arm in the war, like his father, “…then he should have three arms instead of two, for both of hers should be his for life” (465). These viewpoints set a forewarning tone when taking into consideration Editha’s apparent motives.Howells realist approach lends itself throughout this story; which is most apparent when George does not enlist until he is cajoled by mob-mentality after a night of drinking. This is demonstrated when George says, “’It was all going one way, and I tho...
