Many times in life, other people or things get in the way of one’s greatest desires or goals. A great example of this is the novel “Ethan Frome” by Edith Wharton. Throughout the story, certain obstacles such as society, Ethan’s morals, marriage, and suicide interfere with reaching perpetual love and happiness.
Society can have a key impact on one’s actions, which may also determine their future. In chapter seven of “Ethan Frome,” Ethan and Zeena are arguing about whether or not to keep Mattie in their home any longer. Zeena wants her to leave as soon as possible and Ethan never wants her to leave. Ethan desperately attempts to make Zeena change her mind as he reminds her that Mattie is her “kin” (49). He asks Zeena what she thinks people will say if she sends Mattie away; Zeena’s reply was that people were already talking about her for keeping Mattie so long (50). Ethan was concerned about what society may think about the probable situation. Zeena, on the other hand, already knew that people were talking about her because of what was presently happening and she doesn’t care what society thinks of her. This proves that society has an influence on the events throughout “Ethan Frome.”
Ethan Frome’s morals also play a significant role by producing obstacles throughout the novel. An example is when Zeena leaves for her out of town doctor’s appointment. Ethan mentions to Zeena that he is receiving cash for the lumber load from Mr. Hale; however, in actuality, he isn’t. Ethan decides to go ahead and ask Andrew Hale for a small direct payment of fifty dollars. After unloading the lumber, Hale invites Ethan into his office, and Ethan requests the advance. In the novel, it states that “[Ethan] hated lying,” and he doesn’t think it should be anyone’s business why he wants the money. Hale politely refuses, citing his own financial constraints, and after talking a bit more, Ethan leaves Hale to conduct some other business in the village. Ethan knows that what he is doing...