Alone in His Imperfection
"These heroes were just like us - limited human beings" (Grana 29). Society often places heroes above the public and regards their characters as perfect; however, Janice Grana knows the truth, heroes have as many lacunas in their character as any other person. At times, these faults cause the hero to meet their demise. In Edith Wharton's novella, Ethan Frome, the protagonist, Ethan Frome, exhibits the qualities of a classical tragic hero, eventually meeting his ruin through hamartia. The use of these qualities evokes a sense of pity and foreboding in the audience. Throughout this piece the reader sees Ethan as a broken man, one with few possessions and little happiness. Although Ethan has a despairing existence, he has earned the respect of his neighbors. This esteem gives him the high rank that evidences itself in the characteristics of all classical tragic heroes. He earns this respect, first, by attending "a technical college at Worcester" (Wharton 27). This noble attempt at escape from Starkfield requires much intelligence, determination, and opulence. These qualities alone separate him from most other citizens in his town. But the fact that he accomplished escaping from Starkfield, although only for a short time, s
Ethan faces this new destiny with courage. Ethan Frome's flaw proves that heroes do not have immaculate characters, as many people suspect. He would rather spend his life alongside! this intangible dream, than lose the vitality that has finally conquered the Frome threshold. Many people could not withstand the despairing life that he leads. After so many years of being under the grips of loneliness and misery, Ethan finds it impossible to make-up his outward appearance, just to hide his inner scars. Ethan continues to support his family, and be an example of survival to all he encounters. Zeena's taciturnity makes Ethan feel as though he is all alone, and prevents him from ever finding another who will satisfy his need for companionship. He is "seized with an unreasoning dread of being left alone on the farm" (70), and without thought, he proposes marriage to Zeena. While Mattie lives with Ethan and Zeena, Ethan pines for her. Ethan's soul thirsts for the companionship that he has always sought, but to no avail. Nashville, Tennessee: The Upper Room, 1966. He sees that he has few options at this point in his life. This, also, causes the reader to feel more pity for him since they cannot degrade his actions.
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Acceptance Essays
