Zenobic Paradox

A Zenobic Paradox There is a well-known expression that states, “There are two sides to every coin.“ This is no different when it comes to Mrs. Frome. She is either Zeena, a mean, cruel hag or Zenobia, a munificent, compassionate woman. In the book Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, Zeena is described as thin and hard. While in the short story Zenobia by Gina Berrault, Zenobia is described as slender, and gentle. There are two …

…in Ethan Frome; she does hate but she also loves. She can be cruel but it is only in response to something cruel happening to her. Zenobia has dreams of happiness and she longs for a life where she would be able to share love. Or Zeena is just a crotchety nag that lives to die. As the old saying goes, “There are two sides to every coin.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography** The book - Ethan Frome