How Edith Wharton Write the Novella, Ethan Frome

Create a 2 page essay paper that discusses How Does Edith Wharton Write the Novella, Ethan Frome.

This essay discusses that Edith Wharton’s story is influenced by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter according to Lewis (1975). In appreciation of Zeena, Edith uses red against a pure white background for her setting in opposite symbolism of Mattie’s attraction. She also does this to symbolize Mattie’s temptation to Ethan. The Scarlet Letter, a romantic work written in 1850 features romance much as Wharton’s story. In the Letter, Hester Prynne conceives following an adulterous affair – something that is also present in Ethan Frome as Mattie and Ethan draw ever close to committing adultery. . Ethan Frome is also influenced by Henry James. James’ expertise in blending psychological refinements is quite a lot evident in Wharton’s novella. This, she incorporates in her work with her unique ability to tell stories from beginning to end. Ethan Frome is also influenced by an experience told to the author by one accident survivor, Kate Spencer. Edith Wharton’s words are in several instances deceitful. At the beginning of the story, Frome is said to have experienced a smash-up. Later in the story, Mattie and Zeena experience a smash-up in an unsuccessful suicide attempt. In whole, the story is full of flashbacks and irony. While Frome is presented as having deep appreciation of the natural who well connects with his younger days, he is later revealed to be in lack of inner strength. In this respect, he is incapable of escaping the effects of several oppressive forces including climate, convention and sickness.