Ethan Frome is the main character in the book titled Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton. This book is about Ethan's problems throughout his life in Starkfield, Massachusetts. Ethan, in my opinion, is a tragic hero because his poor-judgment leads to many of his downfalls in life. These problems include: marrying Zeena, not being able to stand up to Zeena, and altering his plan for his life after death with Mattie.

The first problem that Ethan creates is marrying Zeena because she helps out with Ethan's mother until she dies. He felt that he could not be alone for the rest of his life, therefore he marries Zeena. Zeena was seven years older than Ethan and always had a complaint to give about her chronic illness. Mattie is brought to the Frome house in order to keep up with the chores due to Zeena's illness. Ethan took a liking...