Ethan Frome

Ethan Frome In the book Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton uses selective word choice when creating her characters. It is evident that the descriptions of Mattie and of Zeena are a relevant part of the whole that creates the meaning of the story. Wharton manipulates one's feelings about the two characters with the character's actions, surroundings, and emotions. Through most of the book, Mattie is described by words with positive connotations. Her surroundings are almost always …

…descriptions to state in a very dramatic way what she is trying to say. She tells the story of how love and marriage do not always go hand in hand, but that if marriage is dishonored, the consequences can be harsh. The connotative words used in the book are the main ingredient in the story. Without them the book would be just another sad story of two lovers who can not be together ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**