Later in the novel, Ethan makes the choice to "coast" down the hill with Mattie. ... As Mattie enters his life, Ethan realizes his inability to do much about the feelings he holds towards Mattie. As Ethan thinks of his marriage with Zeena, he often believes "that it would not have happened if his mother had died in spring instead of winter- Eventually, his love for Mattie Silver proves disastrous. When he realizes he cannot run away with Mattie, the two of them decide to die together. ... When Mattie arrives, Ethan regrets his commitment to Zeena, because he sees his missed opportunity ...

• Word Count: 1483
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

The three main characters in the novel Ethan Frome, Zeena Frome, and Mattie Silver all seem at one point in time to take on the properties of the season most prominent within the novel, winter. ... Now it is Mattie who becomes, inadvertently, the cause of Ethan's tragic life. ... Mattie was his release and helped him forget all his ills in Starkfield. ... In contrast to Mattie's radiant warmth, Zeena is like that of wintery cold and unappealing. ... The only way he knows how to achieve this is to be with Mattie or create an image in his mind with him and Mattie. ...

• Word Count: 1520
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School