Question

How does the knowledge of William Dean Howells’s background enhance your understanding of the story "Editha"?

Answer 1

Knowing that Howells was associated with the press explains his focus on truthful depictions of events. It also explains the backdrop of the story—the effects of patriotic propaganda in newspapers and magazines to garner public support and manipulate the emotions of their readers.

Answer 2

Understanding the life of Willam Dean Howells will give a new light to what Editha is truly about.
Howells was already involved with the country's social issues more so come 1887 when the Haymarket radicals were executed. It is through Editha that he showed his great dislike for Spanish-American war as he thought of it as imperialistic.
The need for America to gain power and prove it self-superior to other countries during the said war, which leads to the loss of many lives. This is similar to Editha's views on the correctness and necessity of war, to which because of his love for Editha, her fiance George, loses his life as well.