The Theme Of Intolerance In Ethan Frome By Edith Wharton

In the early-modernist novella, Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, a series of themes are displayed, one of such being that of intolerance. In the contemporary vernacular, the definition of intolerance is regularly associated with discrimination or prejudice. Ethan Frome, the namesake of the novella, has been facing a serious dilemma for over a year, whilst his wife, Zeena Frome is slowly dying of illness and his true love, Mattie Silver, is on the verge of leaving him forever. These three protagonists are situated in an ordinary setting in a traumatic period of their lives, and this has caused them to display and receive varying levels of intolerance. Mr. Frome himself is credited with being the most traumatic and intolerant character throughout the novella. His subtle hatred towards his marriage and his wife’s attitude is the driving point of the whole plot. He rejoices at any opportunities he receives to spend time without her and strongly considers abandoning her permanently, constantly questioning: “Why should he not leave with Mattie the next day” (Wharton 132). The driving force that stops him is not his love for her or any consideration of her life needs, but simply the fact that he has insufficient funds to travel westward. Ethan even thought that when his …show more content…
The ‘honourable’ Mr. Frome is not fit for his title, as in his worst moments he displays a despicable hatred for his wife, whilst experiencing a deep and tolerant love for Ms. Silver. Mrs. Frome, however, is not spared from the intolerance, as her resentment is directed towards the world, but the victims of such resentment are her cousin and husband. Mattie, on the third point of this ‘triangle of intolerance’ is a shining beacon of hope, as she has only been tolerant, but has received no karma for