1. The Glorification of War and Nationalistic Sentiment:
* Editha is driven by a romanticized and idealized view of war, seeing it as a noble and heroic endeavor. She believes in the righteousness of her cause and the superiority of her nation.
* Her belief in America's righteous mission is presented as a dangerous and flawed ideology, leading her to support the war blindly and without understanding the true consequences.
* The story critiques the tendency of individuals to be swept away by nationalistic fervor, ignoring the real human cost of war.
2. The Power of Propaganda and Media:
* The story implicitly criticizes the role of newspapers and public opinion in shaping public perception of war.
* Editha's views are influenced by the sensationalized and patriotic narratives in the media, which downplay the realities of war and its impact.
* Howells suggests that the media can manipulate public opinion and contribute to the glorification of war.
3. The Responsibility of the Individual in a War:
* Editha's actions highlight the ethical dilemma of personal responsibility during wartime.
* She pushes her fiancé, George, into enlisting by appealing to his sense of patriotism and duty, effectively manipulating him into sacrificing his life for a cause he doesn't truly believe in.
* The story questions whether individuals are truly responsible for the decisions made by those in power, particularly when fueled by nationalistic fervor.
4. The Nature of Love and Marriage:
* Editha's relationship with George is complicated by their conflicting views on war and their personal ambitions.
* While Editha's love for George is driven by her own idealistic views, George's decision to enlist is motivated by his desire to please Editha and avoid being seen as cowardly.
* The story explores how societal pressures and romantic ideals can lead individuals to make destructive choices.
5. The Deception of Idealism:
* Editha's idealism about war is ultimately shattered by the reality of George's death.
* The story highlights the dangers of blind patriotism and romanticized notions of war, which often fail to account for the complex and tragic realities of conflict.
* Howells emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and questioning the narratives presented by the media and authorities.
Overall, "Editha" is a powerful and thought-provoking story that critiques the dangers of unchecked nationalism, the influence of propaganda, and the individual responsibility during times of war. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of blind patriotism and the importance of questioning authority.