Ethan Frome: Analysis of Major Characters
"Ethan Frome: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex relationships and emotional struggles of the primary figures in Edith Wharton's novel. The central character, Ethan Frome, is portrayed as a frustrated farmer who grapples with unfulfilled ambitions and a troubled marriage to his sickly and demanding wife, Zenobia Pierce Frome, affectionately known as Zeena. Their loveless union is further complicated by Ethan's deep affection for Mattie Silver, Zeena’s cousin, who brings joy and vitality into his life. The narrative takes a tragic turn when Ethan and Mattie, faced with imminent separation, decide to take their own lives during a sleigh ride, resulting in life-altering injuries rather than death.
The analysis also highlights the contrasting personalities of the characters, with Zeena embodying bitterness and illness, while Mattie represents youthful hope and love. Additionally, the perspectives of minor characters, such as Ruth Varnum and Ned Hale, provide insight into themes of desire and societal norms. This exploration of character dynamics ultimately underscores the themes of despair, sacrifice, and the constraints of circumstance, inviting readers to reflect on the profound emotional landscapes within Wharton's work.
Ethan Frome: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Edith Wharton
First published: 1911
Genre: Novel
Locale: Starkfield, Massachusetts
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: Late nineteenth century
Ethan Frome, a farmer frustrated in his ambition to become an engineer or a chemist and in his marriage to a nagging, sour, sickly wife. He falls in love with his wife's good and lovely cousin, Mattie Silver, who comes to live with them. When his wife finally drives the girl away, Ethan insists on taking her to the station. Ethan and Mattie decide to take a sleigh ride they have promised themselves and, in mutual despair over the impending separation, they resolve to kill themselves by running the sled against a tree. They are not killed, only permanently injured, and Ethan's wife is to look after them for the rest of their lives.
Zenobia Pierce Frome (Zeena), Ethan's wife, a distant cousin who nursed his mother during a long illness. The marriage is loveless, and Zeena is sickly and nagging.
Mattie Silver, Zeena's cousin, who comes to live with the Fromes. She returns Ethan's love, and once when Zeena spends a night away from home, she and Ethan spend a happy evening together, not making love but sitting quietly before the fire, as Ethan imagines happily married couples do. Mattie feels that she would rather die than leave Ethan, but in the crash she suffers not death, but a permanent spine injury and must submit thereafter to being nursed by Zeena.
Ruth Varnum and Ned Hale, a young engaged couple whom Ethan observes stealing a kiss. On his night alone with Mattie, he tells her wistfully about it; it is as close as he comes to making advances.