It is within the most repressive limits that a person's strength of character and ability to defy and transcend those limits can truly be measured. This idea is confirmed in Edith Wharton's novel Ethan Frome, the story of a young man stuck in an unsatisfying marriage with an older, sick woman. Ethan and Mattie Silver, a second main character and the object of Ethan's affection, both react very differently to the oppressive setting and the power of local conventions in their never-ending battle to be together. Ethan falls victim to the power of local conventions while Mattie demonstrates tireless spirit and defies social norms. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Ethan Frome, the novel's protagonist, is an unhappy young man who wonders whether he should remain faithful to his wife and prolong his life. misery, or to pursue his passion for Mattie. His dilemma arises because of the struggle between his passions and the constraints imposed by the public. Ultimately, Ethan lacks the inner strength to escape the oppressive forces of the setting, his wife, and convention. One of the first examples of Ethan's moral cowardice is seen the night Zeena leaves for Bettsbridge, leaving Ethan and Mattie alone. . They go about their usual household chores with some caution, avoiding the subject that really concerns them both, their relationship. “Now, in the warmly lamplit room, with all its former implications of conformity and order, she seemed infinitely further from him and more inaccessible” (Wharton 81). That night, Ethan is also held back by his wife's apparent presence in the room, even though she is not really there. “Ethan, a moment earlier, had felt on the verge of eloquence; but the mention of Zeena had paralyzed him” (Wharton 73). Although Ethan is tempted to act on his feelings, especially now that he and Mattie are alone, he allows himself to be overpowered by the setting and his wife, and is unable to move beyond a shy kiss on the fabric Mattie's sewing machine. His passivity is demonstrated again later in the novel when he considers running west after learning of Mattie's dismissal from Zeena, but is unable to find the courage to bring himself to lie to his neighbors, the Hales, to get the money he needs. do it. He convinces himself that “there was no way out – none. He was a prisoner for life” (Wharton 117). Ethan is so concerned that the rest of the town might avoid such a bold and rebellious action and think less of him, that he is held back, once again, by his obedience to accepted social customs. Mattie Silver is a lively and attractive young woman. who, at the age of twenty, became a penniless orphan. Having been unsuccessful in various jobs due to her health, Mattie comes to live with her cousin, Zeena, to help with household chores. With her beauty, charm and sweet character, Mattie brings the Frome house back to life and proves that she is strong enough to stand against social conventions. In the first scene of the novel, Mattie is pressured by Dennis Eady. allow him to take her home. She says coldly: “Good night!” I’m not going in” (Wharton 39). Refusing to let anyone disturb her cheerful disposition, Mattie immediately establishes the idea that she is doing what she wants to do; she has a mind of her own. Also in the opening scene, particular attention is paid to the “cherry-colored” scarf that she wears on her head and which twirls around her while dancing. The association between Mattie and the color red proves appropriate,.