Howell's "Editha"

I found it interesting Howell was known to avoid the "excitements and catastrophes of romanticism just as he avoided sex and sensuality". "Editha" was centered on a relationship between George and Editha; however, there was no passion or sensuality of their relationship in the story.

As I sat in church this morning and listened to my pastor’s Memorial Day service, my mind wondered back to this story that I read just the night before. It was ironic as he spoke of the many men and women who had voluntarily given of their lives for their country that I would think of George and his basis for enlistment. He gave his life more for the service of his heart to Editha than to service of his country. It seemed he realized all along the risk of his choice and was only able to make it under the influence of “libations”. At the time of his departure, he was also more focused on the commitment of Editha to care for his mother than the farewell exchange between each other. It doesn’t seem as if love played any part in this relationship, more like pacification.

Editha’s character was an interesting one, more representative of our culture today. There are many that will go to great lengths for their own benefit or acknowledgement. Editha was driven more by the recognition she would receive as the mate of a military hero than simply the town lawyer. Her immaturity was evident in her thoughts that nothing would happen to George during his service, they would simply be able to scare off the opposition, and he would return home having served his country and her.

My heart went out to George’s mother. What a mature, unselfish being who would rather give up her son than to know he had gone to war and killed someone else, having their blood on his hands. It was interesting she did not want Editha grieving for him, scolding her for wearing the black mourning clothes. I believe she was celebrating the fact that he had gone on beyond the hatefulness of this world and the relationship George would have found himself in with Editha.

Even though this story had a tragic ending, it was a great read but more for a mature audience. I believe the plot is too serious unless the reader would be at a point of understanding what I believe Howell would want understood: we should love unconditionally and make our commitments from a true sense of service rather than trying to fulfill other’s expectations.