Blind Idealism In Twain's "War Prayer" And Howell's "Editha"

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stories attempt to challenge the idealistic glory of war and realistically unmask the unavoidable devastation, suffering and death, each author adopts a distinctive literary approach.
In "War Prayer", Mark Twain appeals to the moral and religious conscience of the nation, urging the populace to look deeply into the devastation of war. Twain uses a religious congregation to portray the idealistic populace. The congregation expounds on the doctrine of Manifest Destiny and the resulting imperialist philosophy that the United States' expansion of territory and influence is God ordained. To this end, the gathering seeks the favor and blessing of God on its righteous undertaking and the glorious victory to which the United States is entitled. The congregation manifests the spiritual component of idealism. The people are caught up in the ever spiraling emotional frenzy that is permeating though out the nation: "young volunteers marched down the wide avenue gay and fine in their ...

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