Next \( \Theta \) Pretest: The Late Nineteenth Century: Realism and Naturalism Select the correct answer. Which aspect of Editha's character does the following excerpt from William Dean Howells's short story "Editha" reveal? "That ignoble peacel It was no peace at all, with that crime and shame at our very gates." She was conscious of parroting the current phrases of the newspapers, but it was no time to pick and choose her words. She must sacrifice anything to the high ideal she had for him, and after a good deal of rapid argument she ended with the climax: "But now it doesn't matter about the how or why. Since the war has come, all that is gone. There are no two sides, any more. There is nothing now but our country." A. empty idealism B. pragmatism C. manipulation ( D. moral fortitude

The correct answer is: **A. empty idealism** **Explanation:** In William Dean Howells's short story "Editha," the character Editha exemplifies **empty idealism** through her romanticized and superficial views about war and sacrifice. The excerpt highlights her unwavering belief in sacrificing anything for the "high ideal" of the country without fully comprehending the harsh realities and consequences of war. Her insistence that "There is nothing now but our country" reflects a naive and idealistic perspective that disregards the complexities and moral implications of such sacrifices. This idealism appears "empty" because it lacks a deep understanding of the situation's gravity and the personal costs involved. --- **Option Analysis:** - **A. empty idealism:** Correct. Editha's character is portrayed as having lofty but shallow ideals about war and patriotism. - **B. pragmatism:** Incorrect. Pragmatism involves practical and realistic approaches, which contrast with Editha's idealistic views. - **C. manipulation:** While Editha does influence her fiancé's decisions, the primary aspect highlighted in the excerpt is her idealism rather than a calculated attempt to control others. - **D. moral fortitude:** Incorrect. Moral fortitude implies strong ethical principles and courage, which doesn't directly align with the portrayal of Editha's idealism in this context.