In her task of characterizing Zeena as selfish and shrewd wharton recounts Zeena and Ethan's marriage and how their plans for the future are ultimately forgotten. After his mother's death and subsequent marriage to Zeena they both agree to try and sell the farm and move to a big city. It sounds like a good plan except, not only has no one bought the farm, but Zeena will be impossible to move. “She chose to look down on starkfield, but she could not have lived in a place which looked down on her.” This quote is our first look at who Zeena really is, not the caring girl she appeared to be but someone who believes she is better than all those around her. Her selfishness shatters Ethan's future and confines him to starkfield.
Whartons lonely and
Whartons lonely and