Scott - 4
Rebecca Scott
Professor Steven Cooke
LITR221
1 June 2014
The Dark and Ruined Life of Ethan Frome
Ethan Frome guided us through many obstacles that one can go through in one's life, which is a part of the American spirit. Ethan seems like a very sincere person, who doesn't want to hurt anyone. Throughout his life he has had many ups and downs that relate to personal issues, decisions on life, romance, death, and life. Ethan had morals that would haunt him forever which kept him from his happiness. Ethan was a man that was trapped by his own doing. He was seen as a "ruin of a man". (11) The American spirit in all of us, some of those characteristics can be bright and fun-filled, however sometimes it is dark, dramatic, and sad. Ethan Frome carries us along his dark, mysterious, unhappy life. Many wonder why Ethan would not just divorce Zeena instead of living so unhappy.
Cover of first edition of Ethan Frome
Mattie Baldwin (LOC)
Rainy and MattieGood introduction. Comment by Prof Marc: Please avoid contractions in academic writing; they are considered informal.
Ethan was trapped within Starkfield, leading a very unhappy and lonely life. He had been though many unfortunate events. Ethan grew up as a farmer in Starkfield, Massachusetts. The winters were cold and made farming very difficult. Later in life, Ethan went away to college but was unable to finish because his mother was very ill. Ethan was then left with the responsibility of the farm in order to support his mother during her illness. Zeena, Ethan's wife, had taken care of Ethan's mother while she was ill. Once Ethan's mother passed, he attempted to sell the farm and mill however was unable to find a buyer. Ethan knew then he was not going to be able to live in the house alone...