Ethan Frome Literary Analysis

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Lord Alfred Tenneyson’s quotation “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all” is an extremely romantic view of a person’s romantic life. In reality, situations such as this very rarely work out as expected, particularly dealing with matters such as love. Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome lives a life that is far worse because of knowing what love he lacks. Zeena, Ethan Frome's wife is a dark and depressed character that greatly limits Ethan’s life. From the very start, Ethan and Zeena never experienced true love. Ethan’s intention of marrying Zeena was solely to thank her for helping heal his parents in sickness. Zeena is very controlling of how Ethan Frome thinks, acts and loves. He is constantly getting bossed and pushed around by Zeena strong demeanor. Zeena…show more content…
At the beginning of the book Ethan takes it upon himself to teach and help Mattie clean the house. He is not too fond of the idea that he has to pay for someone to help take care of the house. But over time he ends up growing some deep feelings for Mattie. As this happens light begins to shine on his life. “The girl was more than a bright serviceable creature he had thought of her.”(29) He is attempting to come out of the shadows. Though many of his attempts ended with low “Come along”(40). Ethan is constantly unsure with emotional feelings. He lacks self confidence which greatly limits the physical affection he could show towards Mattie “he had not even touched her hand”(85). In the middle there are good times and scary times. In some ways his life is a burning fire with warmth and light. But at others he lies and cheats on Zeena to get enjoyment time with Mattie. Ethan ends up hurting Mattie to the point that he has to pay and take care of both Zeena and Mattie even though Mattie doesn't like him anymore. Ethan’s life gets to the point of “aimlessly poking at the embers” of a dead fire, representing his
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