Final answer:
In 'Editha' by William Dean Howells, the tone shifts from idealistic romanticism, evident in the character Editha’s anticipation for war, to a realistic and critical perspective underscored by irony, depicting the brutal realities of war in contrast to romantic ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific tone of William Dean Howells' story 'Editha' oscillates between idealistic romanticism and harsh realism. Editha's character embodies the romantic patriotism prevalent during the period before the Spanish-American War, imagining the conflict in terms of glory and heroism.
This is evident from the excerpt where she breathlessly anticipates George’s participation in the war, with the air 'thick with the war feeling.'
However, the story takes a more realistic and critical tone when contrasting Editha’s idealistic views with the grim realities of war.
Howells' use of phrases such as 'hot spring afternoon,' 'panting with intensity,' and 'electricity of a storm' contribute to a tone of tension and foreboding, highlighting the contrast between Editha's romanticized perspective and the actual brutality of war.
The tone becomes even deeper with irony as the narrative progresses, illustrating the gap between romantic ideals and the tragic outcomes of war.