Ethan Frome: Tragic Hero Essay, Research Paper

In many stories, a hero has a major flaw which contributes to his downfall

in the story. The Story Ethan Frome , a tragedy or drama or literary work in

which the main character is brought to ruin or suffers extreme sorrow, especially

as a consequence of a tragic flaw, a moral weakness, or an inability to cope with

unfavorable circumstances and our hero Ethan with the tragic flaw which is a flaw

in the character of the protagonist of a tragedy that brings the protagonist to ruin

or sorrow. His biggest flaw is the misuse of communication in the story which

brings problems with Zeena and Mattie.

Ethan s tragic flaw which is the less than needed use of communication

between the characters causes them to affect other characters in the story. In one

example Ethan knows that Zeena is consumed with jealousy about Mattie and him

and he doesn t have enough bravery to talk to her about this. He could have either

told her that there was nothing going on or told her that he and Mattie were

having an affair. One more example would be the miscommunication of Ethan

and Mattie. They seemed to talk later in the back when it was too late and they

were already in the affair. Like when Zeena went to the doctor. They should have

talked to Zeena about this and maybe have settled this before something serious

takes place.

Ethan s flaw affects whats happens in the story. Such as when they broke

pickle dish. When Zeena was away at the doctors. It symbolized Ethan s and

Zeena s relationship breaking up and Mattie s and Ethan s relationship just

starting.

Obviously the biggest consequence of his actions are him and Mattie

trying to kill themselves hoping the only chance they have is to die together. They

go down a hill on a sled aiming for the tree. Another consequence would be Zeena

left taking care of Ethan and Mattie after the accident.

This book seems to be a whole tragedy and it just keeps on going. In my

opinion this should never have happened, and maybe if there was more

communication between the characters, it wouldn t have.