Ethan Frome

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put there". We are led to feel pity for the man who, as a last resort, married Zeena, in an "unsuccessful attempt to escape the silence, isolation, and loneliness" of living a life where social acceptance was had at the cost of his own happiness.
From the outset, Wharton creates warmth of feeling between readers and the character of Mattie. She creates an imagery of Mattie that emphasises all the qualities that she admires herself - love, beauty and vibrance, portraying them in such a way that we are ourselves are led to appreciate and value them. Her innocent demeanor is magnified by the harsh circumstances of her life, and readers are left feeling pity and sympathy for the girl who has 'never had anyone be good to her'. Ethan finds himself falling in love with Mattie, drawn to her youthful energy, as, "the pure air, and the long summer hours in the open, give life and elasticity to her". To Ethan, Mattie is like "a window that has caught the sunset"; Her effect on him was ...

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