# IX explained — Ethan Frome

> Chapter companion for Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton.

## What happens

Ethan and Mattie share a painful final ride through Starkfield, confessing their love and despair. Ethan insists on driving Mattie to the station himself, and they take a sled ride down the Corbury road, culminating in a tragic decision.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/chapters