Ethan Frome Free Form Final Discussion Topics
Mr. Ambrose’s Discussion Topics
Tragedy: In what ways is the novel a classic tragedy? Do you consider Ethan Frome to be a tragic hero? If so, what would you consider his tragic flaw?
Rural Novel: This is a rural novel, and shares similarities to other rural novels of the Southern Gothic genre. In what ways is this novel similar to Southern works that we have studied (like As I Lay Dying and “Everyday Use”) and in what ways is it distinct?
Sympathetic Characters: Who is the most sympathetic character in the novel? (Are any of the characters sympathetic?) Why?
Narrative Style: What does the presence of the unnamed “narrator” in the story’s introduction and conclusion contribute to the effect of the novel? Do you feel the story works best as a frame story? Why?
The Moral of the Story: In your opinion, do Ethan, Mattie, and Zeena deserve their fates? Does the story aim to teach its readers a lesson? In this way, is it a moralizing tale? If so, what is the moral?
Modern Relevance: Given the prevalence of divorce in today’s society, does the novel still “work” in contemporary times? Do you think people are still in unhappy relationships like this today, or do they usually just break up/divorce? (Consider how Wharton displays a characteristically “dark” view of marriage, and many people today are similarly skeptical of marriage as an institution.)
Zeena’s Character: Wharton intended Zeena to be a beast of a woman, but some modern Feminist readers might praise her for being an assertive female and not putting up with her husband’s wandering eyes. Do you think we should view Zeena differently in 2012 (as opposed to how readers viewed her in 1911)? (Could she actually be a strong, likable character, rather than a shrewish hypochondriac?)
Ethan’s Character Progression: On the one hand, Ethan finally is a bit assertive when he insists that he go with Mattie when she is leaving. On the other hand, he ultimately succumbs to Mattie’s suggestion that they end their lives together. Do you consider Ethan to be a dynamic or static character?
Wharton’s Life Experiences: With Ethan Frome, does Wharton accurately represent her own troubled marriage? (Her husband cheated on her and she had one passionate affair with her “true love.”)
Interesting Discussion Topic from Chris Ridge, class of 2011
The “Smash-Up”: We discover that the “smash-up” is a failed suicide attempt by Ethan and Mattie. How does the failed suicide attempt just lead to more pain for all of the characters?
Your Ideas for Discussion Topics (3 “Talking Points”):
Mirrors and Windows
Remember that “mirrors” are elements of the literature that in some way reflect your life, and “windows” are elements of the literature that in some way provide a new insight into your life.
Mirrors:
Windows: