I have decided to go out on a limb and discuss the story "Editha" by William Dean Howells. This story is told in a way that every American can understand the glory of war, but in a different sense the aftermath of pain that is left behind. It took me three times in reading this story to gather all of my emotions and thought of this story.
             William Dean Howells in my opinion did a great job in writing this story and the meaning of it stills holds true in present time. However, I disagree in some of Editha actions and beliefs. Editha is the main character in this short story. She is a woman who loves her county more than ever, and is willing to give up anything she has for it. Her fiancé George is not as enthusiastic about the war as she is, but was talked into signing up for the war by Editha. "I call this a sacred war. A war for liberty and humanity, if ever there was one." (Howells, 56) Editha could not understand how George or anyone else could not understand the importance of this war. Since George's lack enthusiasm of the war Editha writes him a letter and says, "But the man I marry must love his country first of all." (Howells, 58) These words show how much Editha believed in her country.
             Editha was not alone in feeling this way about her country. The people thought that the war was a sign of a better life for all if a victory stood behind the people fighting. George did fight in the war, and like many others, paid the ultimate sacrifice his life. Howells did a good job in describing Editha as a character with the same beliefs that all of the American people are today. She was a symbol of what Americans stood for and what America meant to so many people who could only dream of having opportunities. George on the other hand was a symbol of all of the men and women who fought for their country to make it what it is today. They fought for us, and our freedom. They fought for a country ...