Ethan Frome

Kristina writes:
The novel Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton is a story about Ethan Frome and his
forbidden love with his wife's cousin. In the beginning of the story we are
introduced to the three main characters Ethan, Zeena, Ethan's wife, and Mattie
Zeena's cousin. Ethan is a very intelligent person and went to school, but had to
quit because of his marriage to Zeena. He has an interest in learning and that is
why he finds an interest in Mattie because she is also very smart. Mattie is said to
be a beautiful girl, and very humorous. Ethan is not very found with Zeena. He
married her because he thought it was appropriate because she helped him take
care of his sick mother. Ethan in the novel explains that Zeena is much like his
mother, because she said very few words.
So far in the story Zeena has become very "sickly" and the doctors have told her not
to do any housework. Zeena comes up with the idea to "hire" Mattie to come and
live with her and Ethan so she can do housework. Mattie is not paid but in return
she is offered food and a place to stay. From the moment Mattie had arrived Ethan
thought she was beautiful and became very fond of her. Zeena has noticed and she
does not like it at all. She wants to send Mattie away so she hires a new
housekeeper. So far the story has been good. I really like the plot line and can't
wait to finish it.