Ethan Frome critique
The novel Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton is based upon the life of a poor farmer named Ethan Frome. ... When the farm and house become too much work for Ethan and his ailing wife, Zeena’s cousin Mattie Silver comes to help. Ethan falls in love with Mattie’s youthful looks and caring demeanor. Zeena then orders Mattie to leave their farm and the town, which drives Ethan and Mattie to attempt suicide together. ... Her constant nagging and criticism made Ethan and Mattie’s lives so miserable that they saw no other option than suicide. Although Mattie convinces Ethan to go through with something he normally would not have done, the blame still rides on Zeena. Ethan asked Zeena to marry him because he dreads the thought of living alone through a long winter, and he wants to repay her for taking care of his dying mother.