By
Edith Wharton
Prepared by Shiran Halbai
Level: 7
December 2004
“Hthan Frome” By Edith Wharton
The Main Plot
The story takes place in Starkfield, Massachusetts. Ethan married Zeena
after his mother death. Zeena had become sick therefore her young
cousin, Mattie Silver, came to help Zeena with housekeeping. Ethan and
Mattie fell in love with each other. Zeena suspected their relationship.
The straw that broke the camel's back was when Mattie broke the pickle
dish. The pickle dish had never been used because it was the nicest thing
they owned. Zeena got rid of Mattie with the excuse that she needs a new
nurse and they can't afford to keep both girls. Mattie has no place to go.
Ethan wanted to take her to the train. On the way to the train Mattie
decided that they should commit a suicide together, and by that they will
be together forever. The suicide hasn’t succeeded, Mattie and Ethan only
injured seriously. In the end they are living together with Zeena who is
taking care of them.
The Main Characters
Ethan Frome
Ethan Frome is twenty-eight years old man. He married Zeena, an older
woman, because of his fear of being alone. As a young man, Ethan Frome
wanted to become an engineer. He spent his time working on a small
engineering job. His dream was to settle in a big city where he could
become an engineer. Unfortunately, Ethan didn’t have the chance to
move to metropolitan area because his father died and his mother became
ill soon afterwards.
Zeena Frome
Zeena is Ethan Frome's unhappy wife. She is thirty-five years old woman.
Her hair is gray and she looks very old. Zeena first came to help Ethan
nurse his ailing mother. After his mother's death Ethan married her.
Despite Zeena’s physical weakness she holds the dominant position in the
household.
Mattie Silver
Mattie Silver is a beautiful young relative of Zeena Frome's. Mattie
became Zeena’s indentured servant, working as Zeena’s aide in exchange
for a roof over her head and food to eat.
Mattie's sweetness is contrasted with Zeena's sourness. Mattie is full of
life, young and energetic woman.
Creative Task
Interview with Ethan Frome the main character of the novel.

Q: In your opinion, what would happen if you weren’t committed a
suicide?
A: I would live with Zeena, the woman who I don’t love, in my whole
life. Furthermore, I wouldn’t see my Mattie again. Consequently, I
would be depressed forever.

Q: If you could turn the time back to the point before the suicide, would
you change your decision?
A: I would not change my decision but I would hope that my suicide
would succeed because there is no point in my life without Mattie.

Q: What is the last thing you though about before the smash-up?
A: I was thinking if I have made the right decision; if I should forget
about Mattie and go on with my life.

Q: What make your decision to put an end to your life?
A: I knew I would never see Mattie, the love of my life, again therefore I
decided to commit a suicide. I wanted to find a way that Mattie and I
will be together forever.

Q: When did you first know that you in love with Mattie?
A: I knew it when I saw her dancing at the entertainment evening. She
looked like a princess, her hair was sparkling and she had an angel’s smile.

Q: Zeena took care of your mother when she was sick. Don’t you feel
guilt about what you have done to Zeena?
A: Zeena had taken care of my mother and I thank her for that, but Zeena
has become a total different woman. She is not kind and lovely
anymore; she has abused Mattie, her own cousin. Therefore I don’t feel
any guilt about what I have done.