Analytical Book Report
“…and I say, if she’d ha’ died, Ethan might ha’ lived; and the way they are now, I don’t see’s there’s much difference between the Fromes up at the farm and the Fromes down in the graveyard; ‘cept that down there they’re all quiet, and the women have got to hold their tongues” (77). Ethan Frome is a fictional drama and romance novella written by Edith Wharton. Throughout this story, the protagonist, Ethan Frome, must contend with some difficult aspects of his past. This character’s past negatively affects his present activities, attitudes, and values. The recurring theme throughout this story is the presence of silence. Frome’s relationship to his past contributes to the meaning of this story as a whole because it shapes his character’s personality completely and leads him to an ironic and detrimental conclusion. Ethan Frome owns a saw mill farm that doesn’t make much money. …show more content…
Ironically, the nurse that took care of his mother also fell very ill. Zeena began showing the same symptoms of his mother; staying in bed, and barely speaking more than a few words. Frome was required to hire a family member of Zeena’s, Mattie, to work as household help. After meeting Mattie, Frome felt as if he were alive again. They began to develop feelings for one another and Ethan was happy again. Mattie was all that he could think of. This is where the past struggles of Frome affect his values again. He is married to Zeena yet he is in love with another woman. This domestic love-triangle is what drives Frome and Mattie to attempt suicide at the end of the story. The attempt fails, and the secret couple enters a life of silent hell where the only communication comes from the two girls complaining. All of Ethan Frome’s past experiences have negatively affected his attitude and values. His troubles are the reason for the townspeople to say that “he has been in Starkfield for too many winters”
“…and I say, if she’d ha’ died, Ethan might ha’ lived; and the way they are now, I don’t see’s there’s much difference between the Fromes up at the farm and the Fromes down in the graveyard; ‘cept that down there they’re all quiet, and the women have got to hold their tongues” (77). Ethan Frome is a fictional drama and romance novella written by Edith Wharton. Throughout this story, the protagonist, Ethan Frome, must contend with some difficult aspects of his past. This character’s past negatively affects his present activities, attitudes, and values. The recurring theme throughout this story is the presence of silence. Frome’s relationship to his past contributes to the meaning of this story as a whole because it shapes his character’s personality completely and leads him to an ironic and detrimental conclusion. Ethan Frome owns a saw mill farm that doesn’t make much money. …show more content…
Ironically, the nurse that took care of his mother also fell very ill. Zeena began showing the same symptoms of his mother; staying in bed, and barely speaking more than a few words. Frome was required to hire a family member of Zeena’s, Mattie, to work as household help. After meeting Mattie, Frome felt as if he were alive again. They began to develop feelings for one another and Ethan was happy again. Mattie was all that he could think of. This is where the past struggles of Frome affect his values again. He is married to Zeena yet he is in love with another woman. This domestic love-triangle is what drives Frome and Mattie to attempt suicide at the end of the story. The attempt fails, and the secret couple enters a life of silent hell where the only communication comes from the two girls complaining. All of Ethan Frome’s past experiences have negatively affected his attitude and values. His troubles are the reason for the townspeople to say that “he has been in Starkfield for too many winters”