Editha by William Dean Howells

I had never heard of William Howells before, but I have to say that after reading Editha for the first time, I am hungry for more of his work. Though his writings are not quite as physically dramatic as the plots of other authors, Howells chooses to engage his audience on inward conflicts between his characters, and their interactions with one another. Similar to The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane though, he identifies a deeper struggle within the hearts of his character(s), and two lovers, Editha and George, as they try give up their own personal ideals of war for that of the other. This is a struggle, and one that signifies true love as giving up everything for the good of someone else. It is here that Howells, as a realist, not only wants to say something about the cause and purpose of war, but about the nature of the heart.

In this story Howell's chooses to write from the perspective of Editha who longs to see her lover become a real man worthy of her love, by joining the fight and cause for war. But for George, there is a different story to be told; one that may reveal something about the point Howells is trying to make.

George kept his head down as he walked towards the lane that led to his Editha's estate, and felt the soft breeze tickle him, seemingly pushing his legs toward an unknown destination across the silent field. "It's quiet out for the middle of the day,... at least under the circumstances", he thought, and wondered what the reason for it was. The efforts for war were in the air, there was no doubt about that, and he could feel its painstaking effects on him, with every post and notice for recruiters. His thoughts attacked him, "what good was the war anyway, except to hurt and destroy people and strip them of their livelihood? What good was it for men to go and give their lives, and always be bound to this undesirable, expected end of death? Was not there a way, that a person could contribute for freedom in the safety of his home and community? Why was it him they were calling for this, and not someone else?" George felt within himself a sense of loss, for he did not wish to go to war at all, and thought it better to honor himself and his country by becoming an honest worker at home. He was shocked at his cowardliness. But he knew Editha, and wanted to marry her. His feet grew heavy with each step at this thought. He knew what she would ask him, and he was not sure himself what he would say. Of course she would be in a pleasant mood, as she always likened to be, but he pondered what the result would be. George, approached the gate that led to the Balcom's house, and pushed it open against the beckoning wind. He had to be honest with her. He had to let her know how he felt despite her upcoming contradictions, for he could not, and would not love a lie. He caught sight of her, and his heart quicken. She was picture of beauty and elegance as she came down the veranda and called to him in her sweet voice. He felt his love pour out. She deserved someone to truly love her, and he wanted to be that someone. 

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Another link to an exciting take on the story!