Roman Fever

Monuments of Rome

Roman Fever is about two women reflecting on their lavish childhood vacations in Rome. Their names are Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley. During this story, Mrs. Slade is taking this opportunity to tell Mrs. Ansley a secret she has kept for many years. Both these women come from aristocratic families and have lived very lavish lives. Wharton likely knew many women like this, as she was from a very wealthy family. Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley took their childhood trips to Rome as a time for misbehaving. They admit their Roman vacations were not always “the most prudent” (Wharton). The monuments in this story reflect these women’s memories of Rome.

The first buildings mentioned are the Palatine and Forum. The Forum is an ancient building that has mostly deteriorated. It is located next to the Palatine Hill. The Forum was a place for Roman Senators to speak to citizens. These speeches often focused on new laws and elections. I think it is appropriate that Mrs. Ansley and Mrs. Slade are enjoying lunch here because Ancient Romans also went to the Forum to tell each other news.

The next monument mentioned in this story is Park Avenue in New York City. The picture I have is from the 1920’s. This monument represents an extravagant lifestyle that both these women lived. It is very expensive to live there. In particular, Mrs. Slade remembers when her husband, “made a big coup and bought in upper Park Avenue” (Wharton). Now, Mrs. Slade believes living in extravagance made her life quite boring and wishes she could have lived somewhere more exciting. Like a “speakeasy” (Wharton.)

Another Roman Monument mentioned is the Coliseum. Mrs. Slade reflects on “its golden flank drowned with purple shadows” (Wharton). This is one of the greatest architecture achievements in Italy. Gladiator tournaments and parades often occurred here. They were usually extravagant and many people attended. After dark, the monument gets very cold. Apparently, Mrs. Ansley had an affair with Mrs. Slades fiancé many years ago at the Coliseum. So, to these women, the monument represents a place of passion and illicit behavior. Also known as “Roman Fever” (Wharton). Mrs. Ansley has some of her fondest memories here.

Roman Hills are also referenced in this story. The formal name includes The Seven Hills of Rome. The Mythology behind this includes that these seven Hills were once inhabited by 7 different settlements before until Romulus, or the father of Rome united them. In Roman Fever, Wharton writes, “dusk spread all over abruptly darkening the seven hills” (Wharton). I am not sure what this is symbolic of in the story but it is mentioned as a monument.

Overall, I believe this story represents the aristocratic families of the 1920’s. It is also an example of how having money can complicate your life. Ancient Rome was also a site of extravagance. This is enjoyable look into the life of wealthy women in 1920’s New York.