1980: A recurring theme in literature is the classic war between a
passion and responsibility. For instance, a personal cause, a love, a
desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other
emotion or drive may conflict with moral duty. Choose a literary work in
which a character confronts the demands of a private passion that
conflicts with his or her responsibilities. In a well-written essay show
clearly the nature of conflict, its effects upon the character, and its
significance to the work.
Dominique Rankin
March 15th, 2014
1st hr. - AP Lit/Comp
Passion vs. Responsibilities
In the novel “Ethan Frome” by Edith Wharton she focuses on society and morality as
being obstacles to the fulfillment of desire. In this case, she uses modern love as her prime
example. The plot of the novel begins and ends in a small New England town of Starkfield. In
the novel, we learn about a mysterious local man named Ethan Frome who had a tragic accident.
As the novel unfolds even deeper we learn about his unhealthy marriage with Zenobia (Zeena)
Frome, and his unwilling desire to have Mattie as his lover. Mattie is not only Zeena’s caregiver
but they also are cousins. There are a series of literary devices used but Wharton focuses on:
figurative language (metaphors/similes), symbolism, and imagery.
In chapter one, Zeena and Ethan have a slight argument. Ethan is getting ready to leave
out and is already late as it is. Zeena however, wants to talk about replacing Mattie for a stronger
hand. She says, “and the doctor don’t want I should be left without anybody” (26). Ethan begins
to blow her off and says, “all right. But I haven’t got the time now; I’m late as it is” (26). Zeena
quickly snaps back and says, “I guess you’re always late, now you shave every morning” (26).
These lines were used to show the reader the tension in the house. The reader can also see that
Ethan does not care about his wife enough to replace Mattie. As it says on page 27, “all his life
was lived in the sight and sound of Mattie Silver, and he could no longer conceive of it being
otherwise”. Wharton uses these lines to show the reader that a marriage isn’t always so loving.
Even though Zeena is “sickly” as the townspeople would say; she is very much aware of what’s
going on. She knows deep down inside that Ethan is no longer interested in her.
In chapter three, Zeena heads over to Bettsbridge to spend the night with Aunt Martha
Pierce to see a new doctor. The reader may assume that Ethan may presume in making love to
the very promiscuous Mattie. Instead of doing that, in chapter four they pretend like they are a
married couple. Going back to chapter three when Zeena says, “if you’re too busy with the
hauling I presume you can let Jotham Powell drive me over with the sorrel in time to ketch the
train at the Flats” (40). He was so into Mattie that he didn’t show even the slightest concern for
Zeena. From these lines the reader can see that Ethan isn’t satisfied with his wife. Ethan
preferred to have a much younger woman in his life. Wharton uses these lines to tell the reader
what not to do in a relationship because you never get any good luck when you treat people
badly. Ethan could never willingly find the words to break it off with Zeena, instead he uses
something greater than words which are his actions. He proceeds with a lie and says “I’d take
you over myself, only I’ve got to collect the cash for the lumber” (41). This line in particular was
used to show the reader how Ethan didn’t have any intentions on being bothered with Zeena. All
he could focus on was Mattie, we know this because he could never find anything befitting for
the occasion.
In chapter four, Ethan heads over to the lumberyard to ask for a raise. He is quickly
disappointed because his boss tells him no. His boss Andrew Hale is fixing up a home for Ned
and Ruth. He quickly says that, “The young people like nice things. You know how it is yourself:
its not so long ago since you fixed up your own place for Zeena” (47). This line is used to create
imagery, it tells the reader about a time when Ethan actually cared for his wife, or at least made it
seem like it. Wharton uses this line to compare Ethan to who he was then as to who he is now.
Instead of working on his own relationship, he tries seeking out a new one which eventually will
lead to his downfall.
In chapter seven, Ethans’ lies begin to catch up with him. Zeena begins bringing up what
the new doctor told her when she was in Bettsbridge. As the reader may know, the first lie Ethan
told was brought back up. Zeena says, “I’m a great deal sicker than you think” (63) and “I’ve got
complications” (63). She tells him that, “he says any regular doctor would want me to have an
operation” (64). To try and avoid her asking for money he says, “What do you know about this
doctor anyway? Nobody ever told you that before” (64). These lines were used to show how
Ethan really doesn’t have any more love left for his wife. Any normal husband would stand by
their wife in times of hardship and do whatever it takes to see about them. Wharton uses these
lines to show how Mattie has taken over this marriage. Wharton wants the reader to know that
communication is everything in a relationship and you shouldn’t let anyone mess that up. Zeena
is already aware of her situation because she says, “I didn’t need anyone to tell me I was losing
ground every day. Everybody but you could see it.” (64). This line is used to show the reader
how blind Ethan is to Zeena. He had no idea how bad Zeena’s situation really was. Wharton uses
this line to tell the reader that your significant other should never come second to anyone. She
later destroys Ethan in the argument and says, “I thought you were to get fifty dollars from
Andrew Hale for that lumber” (66). Ethan’s been convicted of a lie and now has to come clean.
He reassures and says, “Of course we will! There’s a whole lot more I can do for you, and
Mattie---“(66). Zeena does not like what he says so she says, “You didn’t suppose I was going to
keep two girls, did you? No wonder you were scared at the expense!” (66). These lines were
used to show the reader how Zeena began to toy with Ethan’s mind. She is now beginning to
take control of her relationship again by taking away Ethans’ secret lover. Wharton uses these
lines to show how a person should never underestimate someone. Even though Zeena was on her
death bed she knew exactly what to do to make Ethan notice how much she loved him. This is
the only way that their marriage would work.