Ms. Miller's English Class



“Roman Fever”History:Written by Wharton in 1934a world with relatively rigid social codes and norms. There are cues to heed and rules to follow, and woe to the one who deviates too demonstrably from them.women in turn-of-the-century New York high society had an undercurrent of competitionpatriarchal society that has rendered women auxiliarya way to stand out was to compete in the social hierarchy Wharton came from a society where women were not expected to be professionals, so they were mostly focused on social ascendancy. Marriage was crucial for women, and it usually defined them.Edith Wharton traveled to Italy in 1934 (Roman Fever)She also experienced a vastly changing worldChanges – “new system” – Two main reasons?In the early 1930s, a time of immense political and cultural change throughout Europe. ?Fascist governments had begun to consolidate control in Germany and Italy. ?Rome's most famous historical sites, which were once sites of extreme violence and destruction, and now were The events during this time period such as the developments leading up to World War II and the emergence of Modernism greatly influenced the story.Events leading up to WWII: During the 1930’s Fascism reached its height in Europe, specifically Italy and Germany. Mussolini stressed the importance of the elite in society and resented democratic policies for fear of the working class gaining power. Hitler stressed power and politics on the basis of physical characteristics, and exterminated thousands of Jewish families throughout Europe As a result, European people divided, broken families, feelings of mistrust, hatred, and abandonment Another reason for change:Modernism came about in Europe beginning of the twentieth centuryReplaced the Victorian ideals of “education, refinement, manners, the arts, religion, and such domesticated emotions as loyalty and family love” (Singal 114). Modernism wanted to heal the divisions in class, race and gender. To reconnect the divided.New way of thinking; changing times; changing cultureWomen: Prim and proper vs. fresh ideas and new standardWharton’s two protagonists reflect on their lives as young women growing up in a time of changing standards and new ideas.After you finish the story, browse through it again. Are there any subtle words, phrases are dialogue that may not have had much meaning upon your first reading, but that could have acted as subtle hints, now that you know the ending? ................
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