I’ve just recently read Ethan Frome and I can’t seem to shake the thought that much of the so-called relationship between Ethan and Mattie was in his head. It seems he imagined those intimate moments they shared under Zeena’s nose when in fact Mattie was just trying to be kind and keep her hold of her living situation. It wasn’t until Mattie was staring down the barrel of destitution that she latched on to him and suddenly reciprocated his feelings in any real way. She had nothing to lose and likely felt incredibly alone in that moment, which likely led her to have the ill-conceived, “romantic” notion that ultimately sealed their fate.
Any thoughts on this?
by friggsfolly
2 Comments
It’s been years since I’ve read this book, but this is making me want to re-read it because that would be really interesting if so!
I think I read it as straightforward “she’s in love with him, too” when I first read it, but I honestly don’t remember. I pretty much just remember the ending (because who can forget that??!)
Oooh may need to re-read and re-frame my perspective a little.
I always read it as Mattie being this exciting new thing that he never knew he wanted. Especially in contrast to Zeena, and being utterly blinded by that new shiny thing.