IX explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Duty vs. Desire

  Ethan is torn between his duty to Zeena and his desire for Mattie, ultimately unable to act on his love.

• Isolation and Entrapment

  Ethan feels 'tied hand and foot,' trapped by his circumstances and unable to escape Starkfield or his marriage.

• Fate and Tragedy

  The sled ride and the impending smash-up underscore the tragic inevitability of Ethan and Mattie's doomed love.

Characters to notice

• Ethan Frome

  Ethan is tormented by his inability to keep Mattie, expressing his love and desperation. He insists on driving her to the station and takes her on a sled ride.

• Mattie Silver

  Mattie is heartbroken about leaving, sobbing and confessing her love for Ethan. She agrees to the sled ride and reveals she has long wished to be with him.

• Zeena Frome

  Zeena is present in the kitchen, reading a book on kidney troubles, and shows no emotion as Mattie prepares to leave. She insists Mattie go with Jotham.

• Jotham Powell

  Jotham is mentioned as being in the wood-lot and is initially supposed to drive Mattie to the station.

• Dan'l Byrne

  Dan'l Byrne waits with his sleigh at the kitchen door to take Mattie's trunk to the station.

Key passages

• “I'm tied hand and foot, Matt. There isn't a thing I can do.”

  Ethan feels completely trapped and powerless to change their situation.

  Expresses Ethan's sense of helplessness and entrapment.

• “I'd a'most rather have you dead than that!”

  Ethan would prefer Mattie dead than married to someone else.

  Shows the intensity of Ethan's possessive love and despair.

• “Oh, I wish I was, I wish I was!”

  Mattie wishes she were dead rather than leave Ethan.

  Reveals Mattie's deep despair and willingness to die.

• “How'd you like me to take you down now?”

  Ethan suggests they go sledding down the hill together.

  Ethan's impulsive decision to delay the inevitable and share a final moment.