Americans are an ethnic group that has been viewed as very patriotic and nationalistic . The author of the short story, William Howell, was against wars and didn't think that by going to war, could represented glory and loyalty. Editha is a representative of all the patriotic Americans who thought by sending men to war would glorify the country. Editha uses words such as glorious, honoured, and freedom to strengthen George's mdecisiond to join the war. Editha believes the war is an opportunity for George to honor America and to become a hero. Editha even gave writoten letters to George to, encourageing him to processed in the war. Editha wantsed George to read the letters if he "ever doubt what you've done, or fear that I regret what your have done. Read it after you've started.". Even when George was fighting in the war, Editha made the effort to write to George's mother to persuade the woman who didn’t want her son to join the war to "glorifying him as their hero". Howell illustrated Editha as someone twhato is patriotic, stubborn, careless, and selfish enough to put her loved one in a dangerous position, so she would have a lover who died to dignify America.