Ethan Frome Theme Essay

Do people need other people to live a joyful life? In Edith Wharton’s novella, Ethan Frome, many themes are expressed through the landscape and characters, but one recurring theme is “people need people”. Wharton used three main characters to elaborate on this theme. She created an epic love-triangle that is doomed from the beginning. The three came together because of each other's needs. Ethan and Zeena Frome are married. Zeena is a hypochondriac who is need of a caretaker. Mattie Silver, Zeena’s cousin, fills this role. On top of being a caretaker, she caught the attention of Ethan. Zeena needed of a caretaker because of her illnesses, Ethan needed human interaction, and Mattie needed the Frome household to also be her home. Zeena Frome is a hateful, ill-tempered woman who does not appreciate the people who care for her during her illnesses. She is “sick” constantly, and she does not have the strength to take care of herself. Mattie came to Starkfield to be Zeena’s caretaker. The whole
Both of Mattie’s parents had died, so she came to live with the Fromes. She became a caretaker of the house and Zeena. About a year into staying with the Fromes, Zeena decided to send Mattie away since she suspected that Mattie and her husband were having an affair. Ethan was extremely upset because Mattie did not have anywhere to go. Zeena won the argument, and Mattie was sent away. Ethan took Mattie back to the station where they confessed their love for each other. Mattie made a bold statement by saying, “we’d never have to leave each other any more” (Wharton 143). The two were standing by a coasting hill, and at the bottom of the hill was an enormous elm tree. Mattie had the idea to sled right into the tree so the two could truly be together forever. Ethan went along with the idea, but the couple failed with their plan. Mattie needed the Fromes, but she needed Ethan to love her back. Ethan gave her the feeling of rebellion and