Ethan Fromes Limitations - Free Essay Example

Throughout Ethan Frome, there is a consistent feel of limitation on Ethan, Zeena, and Mattie. The author, Edith Wharton, creates many restrictions that limits how much the characters do. There are many different scenarios of limitations such as the shortness of money that the Fromes have, Zeenas sickness and depression, the marriage of Ethan and Zeena, and Ethan and Matties love that they share. In all of these scenarios, there isnt much interaction with each other which proves the limitation that happens in the book. Limitation is important in the book because it shows how little is done between the characters and how controlling they are of one another. Shortness of money is the first example of limitation. With the shortness of money that the Fromes have, Ethan has to work a lot, such as hauling wood for Andrew Hale. They have a trouble making a living out of their family farm. Zeena could be healthier if they had enough money for the doctor. If they leave Starkfield for another town, the climate would be better because Starkfield is cold and snowy. Unfortunately, Zeena didnt want to move to the city because she didnt want people looking down on her. It would also be good because there may be better job opportunities to make a living out of. Another reason why the Fromes money is limited is because Ethan wants to run away with Mattie, but they dont have enough money. If Ethan and Mattie do run away together, then they wouldnt have a house or food because of the lack of money they have. Final reason is Zeena sends Mattie away to make room for the new house girl because Mattie isnt doing a good job. Zeenas sickness is a limitation because she cant move or work that much. When Zeena goes to see her doctor, he explains to Zeena that she should get a housekeeper because Mattie isnt good at cleaning the house, and Zeena can rest as her doctor tells her to. Ethan usually wakes up early to clean the house so Mattie doesnt get in trouble with Zeena. Zeena also doesnt leave the house much and shes controlling of Ethan. She tells Ethan what he can and cant do which prevents him from doing what he wants to do. The final limitation is Ethans marriage. In chapter 3, Zeena says, The doctor says itll be my death if I go on slaving the way Ive had to. He doesnt understand how Ive stood it as long as I have, (Wharton 98). This happens after Zeena comes back from seeing her doctor and explains that Zeena is controlling in their marriage and Ethan doesnt have much of a say. Ethan and Matties relationship is unnoticeable to Zeena because theyre afraid of how shell react and what shell do to them. This shows that Ethan and Zeena dont have a secure marriage and they dont interact with each other much. In conclusion, limits are consistent throughout the book; the Fromes shortness on money, Zeenas sickness in health, Starkfields climate, Ethans marriage with Zeena, and Ethans love for Mattie. All of these limits are pressurized onto Ethan because he has a relationship with Zeena and Mattie which puts him in the center of all of the chaos.