Ethan Frome

1
Ethan Frome

• A Discussion on Marriage and Divorce

2
How do the time periods compare?

1. The institution of marriage was considered more
   sacred in post-Victorian America as compared to
   today, and this is a cause for concern because it
   reflects a negative shift in our cultural values.
2. The institution of marriage was considered more
   sacred in post-Victorian America as compared to
   today, but this is not a cause for concern
   because it represents a positive shift in our
   cultural values.
3. The institution of marriage is actually more
   sacred today, because people have more choices
   about starting or ending a relationship.

3
Do you agree or disagree?

• Based on my research, I would say Ethan and Zeena
  had a prototypical marriage for post-Victorian
  America.
• Other points to consider
• Ethan is a prototypical post-Victorian American
  male.
• Zeena is a prototypical post-Victorian female.

4
What do you think?

• Many literary critics speculate the Edith Wharton
  intended the character of Ethan Frome to
  represent herself, as she was trapped in a
  marriage and had no means of getting out.
• Based on your research and your reading of the
  text, does Edith Wharton effectively use Ethan
  Fromes character to convey the plight of the
  unhappily married woman around the turn of the
  century?

5
Is this book still relevant?

• A.Edith Whartons work is still relevant today
  because marriage is still a dominant cultural
  institution.
• B.Edith Whartons work is still relevant today
  because people still find themselves in similar
  situations in their marriage.
• C.Edith Whartons work is no longer relevant
  because our culture does not take the institution
  of marriage as seriously as Ethan does.
• D.Edith Whartons work is no longer relevant
  because, in 2009, Ethan would just get a divorce
  and be done with the marriage.