Psychological Analysis of Ethan in Ethan Frome

Psychological Analysis of Ethan in Ethan Frome
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April 7, 2022
The novel Ethan Frome, titled after the main character Ethan Frome, is about the life of a lonely farmer in the setting of Starkfield, and the main character attempts to live living his life with his bossy, demanding, and ungrateful wife, Zeena. With that explanation of the novel, I have chosen to concentrate on the main character and his actions throughout the story. Although the story's finale is rather depressing, Ethan's life teaches all readers a valuable lesson.
As previously said, Ethan has always been a farmer, and he has always liked nature. His disposition is a little sensitive, but he is a kind man above all. His wife Zeena may have been the adversary in the novel because of her harsh treatment of Ethan; she would often beg for something that he could not afford, and when she was granted something, she was always ungrateful. In the story, he falls in love with Mattie, his wife's cousin. Mattie, who also enjoys nature, readily understands Ethan and has a strong bond with him, which leads to Ethan developing feelings for Mattie.
The environment of the narrative was covered with snow, making it dark during times of the day; the season of the weather in this story has a significant impact on a person's personality, both consciously and unconsciously. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition in which people suffer mood swings and symptoms like depression. Symptoms usually appear during the fall and winter months when there is less sunshine, it is cloudy, and sometimes dark, and they improve as spring approaches (American Psychiatric Association, n.d.). Seasonal depression is caused by the brain's sensitivity to fewer daylight hours. Daylight influences two brain neurotransmitters, melatonin, and serotonin, which are responsible for regulating a person's sleep-wake cycle, energy levels, and mood (Lyness, n.d.). When Ethan considers avoiding all of her issues by abandoning life itsel...