What Is The Destruction Of The Family In Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome

When one is going through a difficult moment of their life, they will often seek the support of their family. In some pitiful cases, however, their family is unwilling to help them. Edith Wharton’s novel Ethan Frome, describes such an unfortunate situation. Mattie Silver was brought into the Frome residence after the death of her parents to assist Zeena, who reluctantly accepted her. She did not appreciate Mattie’s efforts but her husband Ethan, unsatisfied with their marriage, viewed Mattie as a symbol of hope. Her cheerful presence delighted him. Whenever she faced a troubling situation, Mattie felt that she could trust Ethan to protect and care for her well-being.
For instance, she knew that Ethan was reliable and would not jeopardize

her life. The people who went coasting down Corbury road had to be extremely cautious of the large tree near the end. “‘Ned Hale and Ruth Varnum came just as near running into the big elm at the bottom. We were all sure they were killed,’” said Mattie regarding the issue (24). This shows how risky the activity was. However, Mattie was not frightened or anxious when Ethan was the one steering the sled. After the two coasted down for the first time, Ethan asked Mattie if she was scared and she replied, “‘I told you I was never scared with you [. . .] I always say you’ve got the surest eye...’” (89). These lines of dialogue show that Mattie was confident Ethan could safely steer them away from the dangerous elm. She knew that Ethan could protect her from being harmed even though it was difficult to see where they were headed due to how dark it was. Mattie was not concerned her life would be jeopardized in that dangerous situation because she was with Ethan.
Furthermore, Mattie knew that Ethan would protect her against Zeena’s harsh criticism whenever she made a mistake. While Zeena was travelling to Bettsbridge to see a new doctor, Mattie used her prized pickle-dish to make the supper-table seem pretty. It was knocked off the table by the cat, which caused Mattie to instantly panic. Ethan attempted to reassure her but the dish was a wedding present bought in Philadelphia, making it nearly impossible to find a replacement. Instead, he told her to give him the shattered fragments and left the kitchen. Ethan laid out the pieces in the china closet, where the dish was originally stored, and decided to glue them back together the following morning. After returning to the kitchen and convincing her that it was alright, “[c]ompletely reassured, she shone on him through tear-hung lashes, and his soul swelled with pride as he saw how his tone subdued her. She did not even ask what he had done” (47). She believed that he fixed the situation, even though she had no knowledge of what he had done. This proves how much faith Mattie had in Ethan. It would be disastrous if Zeena discovered the broken dish since “‘she never meant it should be used, not even when there was company’” (45). Zeena would send her away if she found out but Mattie trusted that Ethan would protect her and prevent this from happening.
In addition, Mattie also knew that Ethan wished to assist her in any way he could to help her survive after the death of her parents.

She was left alone with no relatives willing to guide her and fifty dollars from selling her piano. “When she tried to extend the field of her activities in the direction of stenography and book-keeping her health broke down, and six months on her feet behind the counter of a department store did not tend to restore it,” Ethan recounted (31). When she arrived at Starkfield, however, “[t]he pure air, and the long summer hours in the open, gave back life and elasticity to Mattie [. . .]. ” (32) Once Zeena returned from Bettsbridge she stated that her Aunt Martha had found her a hired girl which would force Mattie to find a new job. Even though Zeena was aware that Mattie had no other relatives willing to help her, she did not hesitate to send her away. When Mattie explained to Ethan how she planned to work in a store again, he said, “‘You know you can’t do it. The bad air and the standing all day nearly killed you before. [. . .] And now you’re going to throw away all the good [Starkfield’s] done you!’” (85). He continued saying, “‘You know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you if I could,’” to which Mattie responded, “‘I know there isn’t”’ (86). She directly stated that she realized how much Ethan was willing to take care of her physical and mental well-being. This is further shown when she told him, “Ethan, where’ll I go if I leave you? I don’t know how to get along alone. You said so yourself just now. Nobody but you was ever good to me’” (90). She was unable to survive on her own without Ethan’s hospitality. Mattie knew that Ethan genuinely wanted to provide her with financial and emotional support when her closest relatives did

not.
Throughout the novel, Mattie’s trust in Ethan was revealed when she depended on him to protect and care for her well-being. While Zeena always wanted to send her away, Ethan found joy in her presence. He ensured her safety while they were coasting and shielded her against Zeena’s criticism. He gave Mattie a place to stay when she had nowhere to live. Due to this, Mattie knew that Ethan genuinely wanted to support her. In Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, Mattie Silver was struggling to survive until she met Ethan. There are many unfortunate people who have unsupportive families. They cannot rely on their relatives to provide assistance during difficult situations.