Humans naturally strive for acceptance from others. We are taught from childhood to
             contain our emotions. We act in a certain manner in order for people to perceive us in the
             way we want to be perceived. Usually this is only how we want to appear, and it is not
             how we really feel. These actions become masks. One may have many masks, and it
             depends on what social group is observing at the time. People from every area of the
             social spectrum want to be accepted by their peers, just as Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley in
             Edith Wharton's "Roman Fever." These two fictional characters are from upper society,
             yet even they wear masks. Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley, though fictional, reflects true
             human behavior by putting on masks of pleasing others, emotions, and deceit.
             Though knowing each other since childhood, Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley knew
             nothing personal about each other. Truthfully, they both secretly despised each other;
             neither of them would have ever admitted that to anyone for fear of rejection by others in
             their "group." They had an outward appearance of a strong friendship, but inwardly they
             were complete strangers; they were fulfilling the goal of pleasing others. Their actions
             reflect everyday reality. True feelings are rarely discussed for fear of what others may
             think. Humans will smile on the outside even when their emotions are telling them to
             Another example of how the two fictional characters reflect reality is their mask of
             emotions. Throughout their conversation there are frequent and lengthy pauses, and it is
             very strained and fake. Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley casually talk about old times while
             they are fighting an internal battle with their emotions. They try their best not to let their
             emotions come out or get the best of them. The true emotions are contained causing the
             conversation the be phony and forced. It is only when they let the ...