Essay, Research Paper: Ethan Frome: Tragic Hero

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.