Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome: Torn Between Two Worlds

Diego Rubio
Ms. Tan
English 11 Honors
10 January 2011
Ethan Frome: Torn Between Two Worlds
The novel Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton, is set in turn-of-the-century New England, in the fake town of Starkfield, Massachusetts. During this time, both men and women were torn between duty and morality, and personal desire. People were expected to follow the societal norms, which although plagued them, were deemed as correct and proper. This social constraint placed on individuals cause them to make the decision of whether to be accepted by society, or whether to be happy. During this time, society was trapped in a web of their own formed ideas and opinions. It is this constant struggle between desire and what is socially acceptable that drives
In the novel Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton, Ethan Frome is faced with conflicts that cause him to make a decision between social morals, and the fulfillment of his desires to establish Wharton’s theme that society and conformity acts as a restriction on happiness.
Ethan’s sense of responsibility first comes into conflict with his strong desire to leave Starkfield and pursue a career in engineering. But with the recent death of his father, he is forced to return to Starkfield and run the family farm while continuing to provide for his ailing wife. This becomes apparent in the prologue, when the Narrator’s discovery of his interest in the sciences indicates that Ethan had dreams that were never fulfilled. His inner need for knowledge and learning, almost “frozen” under a shroud of a life of simplicity and staticity, is without a doubt a consequence of “... too
Wharton depicts Zeena as old, cold, and insensitive while Mattie is warm, loving, kind, and most importantly, a much more fitting wife for Ethan. Symbolism is used in the form of Mattie’s red scarf to give Mattie a sense of life and loving warmth, while at the same time giving Zeena a colder appearance. Therefore, Wharton makes Ethan’s desire to leave his ghastly wife for another woman considerate in the eyes of the reader. Yet, just like in the case of his engineering career, Ethan cannot bear to leave Zeena, on the account that society would severely frown upon a husband that abandons his sickly wife. He is torn between following what he knows is the “right” thing to do, and following what he knows will make him happy. It is important to note that his love for Mattie never falters—The conflict is external, not internal. He is afraid of what people would think, and not whether or not he loves Mattie. Although he has one night alone with Mattie, he cannot stop thinking about all of the responsibilities placed on him. His strong desire for Mattie eventually leads to the shattering of his marriage, which is symbolized by the shattering of Zeena’s prized wedding red pickle