How Ethan Frome changed from the beggining of the to the end and what is the lesson he learned?
Ethan Frome, the title character in Edith Wharton's novel of the same name, undergoes significant changes throughout the story. At the beginning of the novel, Ethan is portrayed as a silent, stoic, and resigned man. He is stuck in a loveless marriage with Zeena, an ill and demanding wife. Ethan's life is confined to the isolation of rural Starkfield, Massachusetts, and he has a sense of crushing duty and responsibility towards his household.
However, the arrival of Zeena's cousin, Mattie Silver, changes Ethan's perspective and reignites his dormant desires and passions. He becomes infatuated with Mattie's youthful exuberance and their shared interests. The presence of Mattie brings out a more optimistic and lively side of Ethan. He begins to dream and hope for a different life where he can escape the numbness and loneliness he has endured for so long.
Unfortunately, their relationship is thwarted by the reality of Ethan's circumstances. When Zeena's ill health worsens, she decides to hire a new live-in maid to assist her. Aware that this would mean the loss of Mattie's companionship, Ethan and Mattie attempt to end their own lives by attempting a double-suicide by sledding into a tree. However, they both survive the accident but are seriously injured.
Seven years later, the story returns to Ethan's life. He is now a pitiful, crippled man, living with the consequences of his actions. He has been physically and emotionally scarred, leading a life of regret and solitude. Ethan's hopes and dreams of a different life have been shattered, and he is now trapped in a loveless marriage once again, as Zeena becomes his caretaker.
The lesson that Ethan Frome ultimately learns is the destructive power of indecision and the consequences of not taking action when necessary. He realizes that by not confronting his own desires and making choices, he has lost the chance for happiness and fulfillment. Wharton's novel serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of taking risks and pursuing one's desires rather than surrendering to a life of resignation and regret.