Final answer:
The theme of THE EVER-PRESENT PAST in "Roman Fever" is the idea that the past is always with us and has a profound impact on our present actions and relationships. The theme is conveyed through the symbolism of the Roman ruins and the metaphorical presence of the contagious "Roman fever."
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of THE EVER-PRESENT PAST in "Roman Fever" is the idea that the past is always with us and has a profound impact on our present actions and relationships. In the story, the characters Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley are haunted by a shared secret from their past, which resurfaces during their visit to Rome. The theme of the ever-present past is conveyed through the symbolism of the Roman ruins and the metaphorical presence of the contagious "Roman fever."