It is quite plausible for anyone to stand in the way of their personal happiness regardless of their own intent. In Edith Wharton’s “Ethan Frome”, the main character struggles with an incredible sorrow after a horrific accident with no real intention of finding happiness. Ethan Frome is a man who possesses many hopes and dreams for his future, yet he does nothing to further any progress that he’s made in his pursuit of happiness.
Ethan feels as though he has a duty to stay in Starkfield to care for others even though he desperately wishes to leave the town. For example, one prologue quote states "Somebody had to stay and care for the folks. There wasn’t ever anybody but Ethan. Fust his father-then his mother-then his wife." (Page.3) This is a major reason which explains why Ethan is tragic hero. He wouldn’t abandon anyone in pain, and as a result he harms himself and everyone else around him. His loyalty inhibits many of his desires which is somewhat of an obstruction to his pursuit of happiness.
In addition, Ethan is aware of attempts by the others to inhibit his …show more content…
One quote from chapter 9 states "We can fetch it; I know we can fetch it." (Page.93) Ethan is talking about hitting the elm tree on the way to the train station in the sled. It is in this moment, when he seems transformed, enough so that he resorts to the drastic measure of committing suicide. Many people can concur that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Therefore, he would have completely inhibited his own happiness by eliminating the possibility of ever achieving it.
In Conclusion, Ethan Frome did nothing to set himself on the path for a positive future even when he is conscious of the fact that he fails to do so. He remained in a state of sorrow for the majority of the novel. Due to his lack of action, he was the ultimate hindrance of his own
Ethan feels as though he has a duty to stay in Starkfield to care for others even though he desperately wishes to leave the town. For example, one prologue quote states "Somebody had to stay and care for the folks. There wasn’t ever anybody but Ethan. Fust his father-then his mother-then his wife." (Page.3) This is a major reason which explains why Ethan is tragic hero. He wouldn’t abandon anyone in pain, and as a result he harms himself and everyone else around him. His loyalty inhibits many of his desires which is somewhat of an obstruction to his pursuit of happiness.
In addition, Ethan is aware of attempts by the others to inhibit his …show more content…
One quote from chapter 9 states "We can fetch it; I know we can fetch it." (Page.93) Ethan is talking about hitting the elm tree on the way to the train station in the sled. It is in this moment, when he seems transformed, enough so that he resorts to the drastic measure of committing suicide. Many people can concur that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Therefore, he would have completely inhibited his own happiness by eliminating the possibility of ever achieving it.
In Conclusion, Ethan Frome did nothing to set himself on the path for a positive future even when he is conscious of the fact that he fails to do so. He remained in a state of sorrow for the majority of the novel. Due to his lack of action, he was the ultimate hindrance of his own