Morality and ethics are the fabrics that hold society. In the novel Ethan Frome, Ethan finds it tough to conform to the demands of the society. The following paper looks at some of how Ethan has to find the balance in terms of morality and ethics.
First Ethan finds it difficult to strike the right balance between his happiness and what the society and his family demand from him. A good example of this struggle and balance is in the form of his true love and desire for Mattie compared to the legal and societal obligations that he has to his wife, Zeena. Zeena is often depicted as a cold, nagging, and unattractive character that lacks any real loveable qualities whereas Mattie is portrayed as effulgent, kind, and gentle (Wharton, 2014). Therefore, it is quite understandable that Ethan should leave Zeena for Mattie.
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However, it would be going against the moral and ethical fabric of the society if he abandoned his wife for another woman, a feat which is considered to be ethically wrong in the eyes of the members of the society. He, therefore, suppresses the urge to get into a relationship with Mattie and is rather shy when they come into physical contact (Wharton, 2014). He fails borrowing money from the Hales so that he can elope with Mattie. At the same time, Ethan wants to go to Starkfield to become an engineer, yet it would be morally right for him to remain home and take care of both his wife and the family (Wharton, 2014). His obligations to the society play a huge role in his failed suicide attempt because instead of concentrating on the process, he ends up thinking of feeding his horses and also of his wife Zeena and the duties that he has to them.
In conclusion, the above paper has looked at the theme of morality and ethics in the novel Ethan Frome. The paper shows that Ethan is obliged to his societal duties such as taking care of his wife and family farm, instead of going after attractive prospects in Mattie and being an engineer in Starkfield. He ends up paying dearly for trying to abandon his duties.
References
Wharton, E. (2014). Ethan Frome-With Audio Level 3 Oxford Bookworms Library . Oxford University Press.
