The significance of the monuments mentioned in Roman Fever is a clear analogy to the main characters Mrs. Slade and Ansley---the monuments are tributes to a great society filled with wealth, status and power. The monuments are provide the setting for Roman Fever, a setting of richness appropriate for the leisure class of the United State's nouveau riche of the Gilded Age. The leisure class wanders into intricate social dramas like those Wharton described in the short story because they lack the daily struggles of the lower classes. Wharton herself was a member of the upper class that she aptly describes, in fact, the phrase “Keeping up with the Jones,” originates with Edith Jones' own family.
The ladies featured in the short story argue about their past and their shared flame; Mrs. Slade's deceased husband and Mrs. Ansley's lover. Although deceased, this man figures prominently in the story---he is both the progenitor and patriarchal head, bestowing legitimacy and status on those associated with him. In the context of the monuments mentioned in the story, Mr. Slade is akin to the Caesars who patronized these Roman architectural feats. In the same way, Mr. Slade's power is diminished like those of the Caesars', something that was once monolithic and invincible that has now crumbled and is somewhat eroded. Tourists still marvel at the power that the Caesars once held, but now their monuments are sites of historical reflection, not powers to be reckoned with.
The Colosseum is featured prominently in Roman Fever. This ancient site hosted various games, mocks battles and gladiators. The architecture of the Colosseum is that of a beautiful and well-designed amphitheater. People could be covered from rain or sun by an awning that once extended out from the structure. The Colosseum was a hub for social interaction and networking, very much like the house and boat galas that Gilded Age society members participated in.
Mrs. Slade and Ansley reflect on the passage of time and various generations. In the text Mrs. Slade remarks on, “what different things Rome stands for to each generation of travelers.” With this reflection, Wharton emphasizes a certain timelessness in the physicality of the Roman structures. The structures might slowly decay, but humans and society morph rapidly with each generation comparatively. Mrs. Slade goes on to say that their grandmothers worried about disease, that their mothers worried about moral disease and that they have no worries relatively-speaking. Mrs. Slade's haphazard assessment of material concerns reflects her social status, materialism and vapidity of thought.
Mrs. Ansley takes a more reflective paradigm of the situation. She is aware that despite her mother's concern, she suffered her own kind of “roman fever.” Her peer group thought that she suffered from a sickness by staying out in cold air, when actually she got pregnant through her late-night Colosseum rendezvous and was quickly married off. Throughout the dialogue, Mrs. Ansley shows the restraint of a person that has been thoroughly conditioned to be cautious. Even when baited by the painful attacks that Mrs. Slade levels at her because she is bored, Mrs. Ansley hesitates to truly reveal the extent and far-reaching complications of adolescent tryst.
The two ladies are pillars of their society, abroad in Europe exposing their daughters to the culture of the privileged upper class. The ladies correspond to the setting that is continually referenced; decaying, yet strong reminders of the achievements and richness of a gloried and sordid history.
Works Cited
"Colosseum" http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/colosseo.htm Accessed 1/13/10
Wharton, Edith. "Roman Fever" http://classiclit.about.com/library/bl-etexts/ewharton/bl-ewhar-roman.htm Accessed 1/13/10
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