Final answer:
The term "Roman fever" refers to malaria but figuratively extends to the intense and potentially dangerous emotions such as jealousy and deceit. It symbolizes people afflicted by societal pressures and personal conflicts, similar to the repercussions of diseases in historical and literary contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The expression "Roman fever" in the context of the story refers literally to malaria, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes in Rome. However, figuratively, the term encompasses much more. It can imply the feverish intensity of emotions, such as jealousy, envy, and the passions that often simmer below the surface of civility, yet can lead to harmful consequences. The story suggests an undercurrent of deceit and danger akin to the risks and unpredictability associated with contracting malaria.
In literature and history, characters like Grace and Alida may metaphorically suffer from "Roman fever" by finding themselves afflicted not only by physical diseases but also by the societal pressures and personal vendettas in their environments. This pathological metaphor can extend to the impact of disease on societies, leading to irrational behaviors and societal breakdowns, as outlined in the historical excerpts describing the actions of the Tartars, the Romans, and the New World indigenous populations in response to diseases like the Bubonic plague, smallpox, and the poisons in ancient Rome.