In the short story "Editha", William Dean Howells displays his anti-imperialism and tries to show the reader how our beliefs, particularly about war and politics, can affect our lives as well as the lives of others. Howells, along with Mark Twain, were two of the most prominent and influential literary figures on imperialism of their time (Zwick 1). The main character in this story is Editha, a delightful young lady whose outside features do not match her inner characteristics. Her desire is to persuade the love of her life, George, that he should be loyalty to his country by fighting in the war. Editha's selfishness, ambition, and manipulation caused the death of her beloved George.
             Editha displays her selfish desires when she misleads George into changing his opinions and beliefs about the war. "But there is no question of wrong in this case. I call is a sacred war. A war for liberty and humanity, if ever there was one. And I know you will see it just as I do, yet" (1446). Editha does not even give George a chance to defend his ideas. She complete ignores his existence and is reluctant to the fact that he has a mind of his own. She makes up her mind that he will see things her way, with no doubt. She is quick to speak her mind, but urges George to agree with her views, but she will not hear about the total opposite end of the spectrum in which George has a strong opinion about. When George tries to defend his thoughts, Editha screams "You shall not say that" (1446). Editha was an egotistical young lady, whose outer beauty could not hide her inner desires for fame, glory, and honor.
             Editha forces George to change his childhood value through her manipulation. "She seized his hand in her two hands, and poured her soul from her eyes into his...she entreated him" (1446).
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