In Roman Fever, Wharton wants us to consider the fact we never truly know anyone in our lives. We have this idea of them, but we only know what they want us to know. For instance, Mrs. Ansley and Mrs. Slade’s relationship. They knew they were both in love with the same man, so their relationship’s foundation was primarily built on jealousy. Additionally, the way Mrs. Slade spoke about Ansley gave the audience the idea that Ansley tries to portray this idea of innocence (when she is not). Their relationship was phony in a way, and may push both characters to question how much they really knew Delphin. Do relationships exist where people truly know who each other are (friendships, partners, family)? Could the way we do not know people in our lives mean all of those relationships are phony, or be some sort of reflection upon ourselves?
I like your questioning of how not knowing people in our lives could be a reflection of ourselves. Mrs. Ansley and Mrs. Slade hid their wrongdoings from each other when they both knew how deeply it could impact the other. Their relationship was built to fall because they both fell for the same guy, but neither were willing to let go of him. Without realizing, Delphin essentially became Mrs. Ansley and Mrs. Slade’s biggest weakness.