Full Answer
How does Zeena use her illness to manipulate Ethan?
Though Ethan suspects that Zeena's illnesses are faked, his sense of duty forces him to take care of Zeena, and she uses her illness to manipulate and control Ethan. The behavior of Zeena's cat implies that Zeena has certain witch-like powers, though this is probably the Narrator 's attempt to convey the power she has gained over Ethan and Mattie.
Why does Ethan write a note to Zeena?
He recalls the story of a man who left his wife by fleeing to the West with his lover and leaving his farm to his wife. Ethan thinks the plan is a good one and begins to write a note of explanation to Zeena.
What does the behavior of Zeena's cat imply?
The behavior of Zeena's cat implies that Zeena has certain witch-like powers, though this is probably the Narrator 's attempt to convey the power she has gained over Ethan and Mattie. The Ethan Frome quotes below are all either spoken by Zenobia (Zeena) Frome or refer to Zenobia (Zeena) Frome.
Who said the Ethan Frome quotes?
The Ethan Frome quotes below are all either spoken by Zenobia (Zeena) Frome or refer to Zenobia (Zeena) Frome. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one: ).
How does Ethan feel about Zeena?
Zeena is intuitive; she notices everything and does not easily forget things. Ethan fears that she knows his innermost thoughts. The extent of Zeena's authority is such that Ethan and Mattie are both uneasy when reminded of her; Mattie can not even sit comfortably in Zeena's rocking chair while Zeena is in Bettsbridge.
How does Ethan describe Zeena?
She has an unpleasant physical appearance, having "grayish tinge[d]" skin, false teeth, and a "puckered throat." The light of a candle reveals the "microscopic cruelty and fretful lines of her face." Even her voice is described as an obnoxious "flat whine." Because the narrator is loyal to Ethan's biased point of view, ...
What concerns did Ethan have about Zeena's trip?
Ethan's first thought about Zeena's trip is that such trips have cost him a lot of money in the past, and the remedies have not had a positive effect on Zeena's illness. He disregards these unpleasant recollections when he realizes that he will be able to spend the night alone with Mattie.
Did Ethan Ever love Zeena?
Ethan fell in love with Zeena and later married her, although she was seven years older than him. After a small time of being married to Ethan, Zeena became sick herself. Throughout the story Zeena went from being a nurse to a patient, only to return to her role as being a nurse for both Ethan and Mattie, the help.
How does Zeena manipulate Ethan?
In order to convey the necessary emotions to Ethan, Zeena manipulates him by hinting at the fact that even though he is late, he still has time to shave. Wharton uses this to show the effect of a well-phrased sentence on the emotions of the receiver.
Why does Ethan stay with Zeena?
When Zenobia Pierce, his cousin, came to help nurse his mother, Ethan was grateful for the company and conversation, and when his mother died, rather than being alone again he asked Zeena to marry him. Ethan married Zeena because he was afraid of silence, just as his mother was.
In what way does the house seem different to Ethan when Zeena is away?
In what way does the house seem different to Ethan when Zeena is away? Although Zeena is absent, it seems as though her presence is still lurking within the house which makes it feel awkward. Since he does not seem to care for her now, why did Ethan marry Zenobia?
How does Ethan feel after Zeena tells him she has hired a new girl?
Zeena informs Ethan that Dr. Buck has prescribed that she do no more work around the house and that she has hired a new girl to come and assume the household duties. Ethan is so shocked by the blow to his pocketbook that he does not think of the implications for Mattie.
What happens when Ethan tries to tell Mattie that Zeena wants her to leave?
Zeena retires to her bedroom, and Mattie and Ethan begin their journey to the train station. Ethan tries to tell Mattie of his wish to run away with her, and she produces the note he'd written the night before that she'd found in his study. They confirm that their imagined love for each other is real.
Is Zeena to blame for Ethan's unhappiness?
In many ways, Zeena is indeed responsible for much of Ethan's suffering: shrewd, calculating, manipulative, and domineering, she exerts an active control over her husband. Yet Ethan may also prove too eager to place the blame entirely on his wife: Zeena becomes more of an excuse for his inaction than its real cause.
Who is Ethan Frome in love with?
Mattie SilverIt shows how a lack of love can twist and warp human beings almost beyond recognition. In the four days leading up to a suicide pact between Ethan and Mattie Silver, his would-be lover, these two lonely characters get a glimpse of love, friendship, and companionship.
Is Ethan in love with Mattie?
In Mattie, Ethan discovers a kindred spirit. She seems to understand him. Ethan experiences an internal conflict when he realizes that he is in love with Mattie. He feels that it would be unfair to Mattie to reveal his feelings or to provoke her feelings for him.
How did Zeena's personality change after she and Ethan married?
Everything changed after she married her husband Ethan. She was no longer the young girl taking care of a woman who needed help, but she was now the woman who needed help by another person.
How is Ethan described in Ethan Frome?
The protagonist of the story, Ethan is a farmer whose family has lived and died on the same Massachusetts farm for generations. A sensitive figure, Ethan has a deep, almost mystical appreciation of nature, and he feels a strong connection to the youth, beauty, and vital spirit of Mattie Silver, his wife's cousin.
Is Zeena Ethan's cousin?
When she was near the end, Ethan's cousin Zenobia came to help him care for the old woman. (Wait a minute. Zeena and Mattie are cousins. Zeena and Ethan are cousins.
How old is Zeena in Ethan Frome?
Answer and Explanation: Zeena is 35 years old in Ethan Frome. She is Ethan's elder by seven years. When they first met, Zeena was 28 and Ethan was 21.
What is Ethan's reaction to Zeena?
He fails, once again, to assert himself over his wife. Again, Ethan feels defeated. His reaction is to rebel against Zeena. He is determined to do something to change the situation. He decides to go to Andrew Hale once again for the money he is owed, but on the way, he meets Mrs. Hale, who is sympathetic towards him.
What happens after Ethan confronts Zeena?
After Ethan confronts Zeena and insists that he will drive Mattie to the train station, Wharton does not bring Zeena into the action again. Zeena retires, triumphant, to her bedroom. Wharton begins to build the suspense that leads to the climax of the story. As Mattie and Ethan begin their ride, Ethan feels almost happy.
What is the cushion Ethan throws across the room?
When Ethan goes to his study and lays down on the sofa, a cushion that Zeena made for him — the only piece of needlework that Zeena had ever done — pokes him in the cheek. Ethan throws the cushion across the room. His action is symbolic of his growing rejection of Zeena.
What does Ethan tell Mattie about his wish to run away with her?
Ethan tries to tell Mattie of his wish to run away with her, and she produces the note he'd written the night before that she'd found in his study. They confirm that their imagined love for each other is real. They arrive at the sledding hill and decide to make good on the plans they had to go sledding together.
What does Zeena tell Jotham about Mattie's trunk?
At breakfast, Zeena confirms her decision of the previous night by telling Jotham that Daniel Byrne is going to pick up Mattie's trunk and take it to the train station . Ethan decides to ask Andrew Hale for the money owed him once again, but on the way he meets Mrs. Hale who is sympathetic towards him.
What is the note Mattie wrote to Ethan?
The note was the only note Mattie had ever written him, and in a way, it is the first real sign of communication of her affection for him. Ethan lays down on the sofa and feels something poking his cheek. He realizes it is a cushion Zeena made for him and he throws it across the room.
What chapter does Ethan go to his cold study?
Summary and Analysis Chapters 8-9. That night, after Ethan is sure Zeena is asleep, he goes downstairs to his cold study to think about all that had happened that evening. He has the note that Mattie had written him earlier in the evening telling him not to trouble himself with the situation. The note was the only note Mattie had ever written him, ...
