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The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910 discussion
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Ethan Frome
Edith Wharton Collection
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Ethan Frome: Week 2 - Part II: Chapters V-IX + Epilogue
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MadgeUK wrote: "Yes, this was one of the aspects of the novel which puzzled me - why EW had characters from a Puritan/Calvinist background try to kill themselves. The only reason I can think of is that it would indeed have meant they went to hell and that it was a very big sin in such a community even to try. I suppose it reflects the extent of the desperation they felt about their lives."Just as teens from "abstinence only" backgrounds aren't much less likely to have sex, folks brought up to believe suicide is a sin aren't THAT much less likely to commit suicide. But yes, like any suicide, it points up their desperation. I don't think it's unrealistic at all.
I strongly related to the characters in this book, and while I hated it in high school I enjoyed it this time. Did others find themselves empathizing like this?
S. Rosemary wrote: "I strongly related to the characters in this book, and while I hated it in high school I enjoyed it this time. Did others find themselves empathizing like this?"
I really didn't relate to them. Their lives were so different from mine that it was more like reading about a foreign country (indeed, Puritan New England is pretty much a foreign country to me). It was painfully fascinating to watch their struggles with their lives, but empathize? No.
I really related to Ethan and Mattie at first, but then I thought it seemed a bit contrived that she would get that one special dish out (which of course gets broken).But I didn't find the suicide attempt convincing...I guess because it was something they always wanted to do for fun...sledding, that is, but they decide to use it as a means for ending it all....at least Mattie does. That's another thing that seems a bit contrived, that Ethan would even consider going along with someone else's decision in a matter of life and death. That said, I really enjoyed reading the book and was a bit disappointed that it came to an end somewhat abruptly. Obviously all their lives continue, but we are not really told much about how things operate in the household.A point to ponder...did anyone think about the choice of the name Ethan...starts with E, five letters, contains 'th'...a little similar to Edith, perhaps?
Interesting point, Jan. I enjoyed the book, because I didn't see the bizarre suicide attempt coming.
And Jan, I think if Wharton continued the story when the three of them were living together after the accident, it would have ended up more like an Edgar Allan Poe story than an Edith Wharton story :)
There are some very striking parallels and contrasts to Zola's Therese Racquin, which is a short novel and might be
I read Therese Racquin in 1974 or 5, but unfortunately can't remember a thing about it, so I wouldn't mind a re-read.
I would like to read Therese Racquin with the group too - I think Christopher has Zola (the French Dickens) on our list.
Jan wrote: "I really related to Ethan and Mattie ..."I relate to being his trapped by circumstances and his own inertia, and letting the problems run on and on for too many years, until he's left with no choices at all. I don't relate to suicide as the answer, but I know some severely depressed people choose it.
I very much agree Rochelle. Inertia and procrastination can affect us all:(.
And how! (is procrastinating now)
Please be careful of spoilers!"
Lighten up! Saying that a book in..."
Madge, I was talking specifically about House of Mirth. Having read it recently, my personal view was that reference to suicide would have given me a definite heads up. Obviously you don't agree. Can we please move on?