Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

I have hit a literature kick again and have been enjoying reading again.  I have to admit 4 kids really limits my reading time right now and even when I do read I seem to have a couple kids on my lap watching a movie so I have a moment to myself.

Ethan Frome is another book that my husband is reading with his 10th grade students at the moment.  I enjoyed this book even though once again it ends sadly.  I can't understand why so many literature books are sad.  What is wrong with writing a good book that ends happily.  Anyway, this book is about Ethan Frome and how he ended up as a quiet cripple with a poor life.  His parents died and he was left with a failing farm/mill and he married a sickly lady named Zeena.  She is constantly seeing new doctor's and trying new remedies that never seem to help.

In order to help Zeena they take in her cousin Mattie.  Mattie's parents died and she was left with nothing and no other relations would take her in.  Mattie brings life back to Ethan's life and the two of them get along great.  A year after staying, Ethan realizes how strong his feelings are for Mattie and it seems that Zeena has also noticed the attraction as well.  Zeena finally takes a trip to see a new doctor and Ethan and Mattie are left alone for a night.  Nothing happens, but the two of them are happy and relaxed with one another.  When Zeena returns she informs Ethan that she has a hired a maid and Mattie must leave that next day.

Ethan is not happy and tries to prevent this from happening.  He even tries to find a way to leave his life and run off with Mattie but can not get the money to do so.  As he takes Mattie to the train station the two of them finally admit to eachother their love for one another.  To help with the pain they decide to sled down a dangerous hill right into a tree.  Unfortunately for them neither dies but are left disabled.  Zeena is forced to care for Mattie and Ethan the rest of their lives.  They live together in a run down house that is barely warm enough to live in and can barely get enough to ea and live off of.  It is a sad life that they live with broken futures and a wasted life.