Symbolism in Editha by William Dean Howells

Editha is a romantic ideal lover who drives her fiancee to war.

In this short story, Howells uses some symbols to ensure the idealistic character of Editha.

When Editha gaves George a clouded liquid to drink and he gulps the liquid but refused to drink hers. The cloudy liquid signifies the cloudy believe and situation of George because at that time, the thoughts about the glory and sacredness of war, and the question of whether going to war is right or wrong was turning in his head. 

 

Also when Editha mentioned in her letter to George some of the poem “Lucasta, going to the war”, she read herself as the heroine Lucasta; who’s her beloved explain to her why he must leave her to go to the war. 

“I couldn’t love thee, dear, so much

  Loved I not honor more. 

 There is no honor above America with me. In this great hour there is no other honor. 

 You heart will make my words clear to you. I had never expected to say so much, but it has come     upon me that I must say the utmost.”

So by reading Lucasta to George, Editha symbolize Lucasta to herself.

Finally, the description that George gives of Editha: her red hair, blue eyes, and white skin in the moonlight is all a symbol of her idealism.