Questions and Answers
Why is Mattie crying at the open of Chapter nine?
She thought she'd never see Ethan again.
In what way does Ethan stand up to Zeena?
He persisted that he is going to drive Mattie over and he sassed Zeena about the hired girl.
What does Mattie reveal that she found of Ethan's?
His letter about him leaving Zeena.
What do Ethan and Mattie decide to do on their last night together?
Signup and view all the answers
Are Ethan and Mattie really desperate at the quote, 'What's the good of either of us going anywheres without the other one now'?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Mattie suggest they do in order to keep from saying goodbye?
Signup and view all the answers
Why does Ethan ask Mattie to sit behind him?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens at the end of Chapter nine?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is the paralyzed woman in the armchair when the narrator enters the Frome house?
Signup and view all the answers
What can we assume happened at the end of Chapter nine?
Signup and view all the answers
Do you agree with Mrs. Hale's statement about Ethan suffering most? Why or why not?
Signup and view all the answers
What did you think of Edith Wharton's use of flashback for the whole mid-section of the book?
Signup and view all the answers
What did you think about Wharton's choice of narrator?
Signup and view all the answers
Did you see the end coming? How was the end foreshadowed?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Emotional Turmoil and Relationships
- Mattie cries due to her fear of never seeing Ethan again, highlighting her deep emotional connection.
- Ethan confronts Zeena by insisting he will drive Mattie, showcasing his growing defiance and frustration with their situation.
Key Revelations
- Mattie discovers Ethan's letter contemplating leaving Zeena, revealing his internal struggle and desire for freedom.
Last Moments Together
- Ethan and Mattie's final night together is spent coasting (sledding), symbolizing their fleeting happiness and childhood innocence.
- In a moment of desperation, Mattie suggests a double suicide to avoid saying goodbye, reflecting their hopelessness.
Symbolic Actions
- Ethan asks Mattie to sit behind him while driving, wishing to feel her closeness and support during their last moments together.
Climactic Event
- Their sledding adventure ends in a crash, but neither dies, leaving their fates uncertain and foreshadowing future suffering.
Return to Present
- The story shifts back to the present, revealing Miss Mattie Silver as the paralyzed woman in the Frome house, indicating the lasting consequences of their actions.
Assumptions About the Aftermath
- It is implied someone found Ethan and Mattie after their accident, with Mattie suffering severe injuries and Ethan's wounds being less critical.
Emotional Pain and Guilt
- Mrs. Hale observes Ethan's heartbreak, suggesting Ethan's continued suffering due to living with the consequences of their choices, feeling guilty for Mattie's condition.
Narrative Techniques
- Wharton's use of flashbacks creates a desire to understand the events that shaped Ethan, deepening emotional engagement with the story.
- The choice of an outside narrator provides a distinct perspective, enhancing the story's impact by highlighting the isolation of the Frome family.
Foreshadowing and Outcome
- The ending's tragic nature may be foreshadowed by the characters' discussions and the atmosphere of despair throughout the narrative, eliciting a sense of inevitability.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of Chapter 9 from 'Ethan Frome' with this set of flashcards. Explore key moments and emotional developments as Ethan and Mattie face their realities. Perfect for reinforcing your grasp of the text's conclusion.
