That was one example of how important the setting of the novel was to the story. The town was almost completely isolated for 7 months out of the year. The isolation was a factor at various important points in the story. For instance, Ethan contemplates his marriage to Zeena, and he wondered if he would have married her if it had been spring instead of winter. So, basically the setting of this novel led to the marriage and general disheartenment of Ethan's whole life. That was a pretty powerful setting. .
Mattie Silver was a younger cousin of Zeena's that was orphaned and had no place to go. Therefore, Mattie went to live with Zeena and Ethan to be their servant and take care of Zeena. On the outside Mattie does not look like a very complex character. Luckily, an observant reader can pick up on the important insecurities and complexities that played a factor in the novel. .
Mattie Silver was seen in this novel largely through the loving and forgiving eyes of Ethan Frome. Therefore, the reader was shown only a limited and biased view of Mattie's true personality and feelings. Mattie Silver was the character with the most reason to feel true desperation before the sledding accident occurred. Mattie had no home of her own, no family to take care of her, no money to support her, and no skill she could use to earn a living. Mattie was at the mercy of Zeena throughout the novel. She had to win Zeena's approval to continue to stay at her home. All the while, Mattie was in love with Ethan. So, Mattie had a true predicament. Even so, throughout the novel Mattie was portrayed as the most carefree, happy person around. She masked and controlled herself splendidly. .
Mattie's desperate situation led to her love and admiration of Ethan. Mattie saw Ethan as a man who took care of himself and the people around him, and this was something she had never been able to do. Also, he was the only man she was ever exposed to.
