Narrative Perspective in Edith Wharton's "Roman Fever"

Abstract or Introduction

Edith Wharton's "The Writing of Fiction" explores narrative techniques crucial for crafting compelling stories. Focused on her short story "Roman Fever," this essay delves into Wharton's emphasis on narrator control, concealment, and strategic revelation of story elements. Wharton advocates for revealing insights through specific fragments, constructing a captivating whole and maintaining audience interest.

Examining "Roman Fever," the essay argues that Wharton skillfully connects narrative construction with gradual character secret disclosure. The story unfolds on a Roman terrace, concealing secrets until a climactic revelation involving American women Grace Ansley and Alida Slade. Selected passages illustrate Wharton's deliberate shaping of perspective, emphasizing her preference for withholding closure.

The analysis centers on Wharton's use of an omniscient narrator and internal focalization on Alida Slade, exploring how the narrative voice mediates content, controlling readers' perspectives on events and characters. The essay delves into the intricacies of the second story construction, providing a detailed examination.

The goal is to draw insightful conclusions about Wharton's narrative techniques and their impact on temporal disclosure. This exploration promises readers a deeper understanding of Wharton's literary craftsmanship and an enriched appreciation for the interplay between narrative perspective and storytelling construction in "Roman Fever."