Ethan Frome · Chapter
VI explained
Ethan tries to maintain a facade of indifference around Mattie after their evening together, but his happiness is palpable.
What happens
Ethan tries to maintain a facade of indifference around Mattie after their evening together, but his happiness is palpable. He plans to send Jotham to pick up Zeena from the Flats while he goes to the village to buy glue for the broken pickle dish. However, a series of mishaps delays him, and when he finally returns home, he learns that Zeena has already arrived, leaving Ethan and Mattie anxious and fearful.
Themes in this chapter
Duty vs. Desire
Ethan's longing for a moment alone with Mattie conflicts with his obligations to work and to Zeena, leading to frustration and missed opportunities.
Silence and Repression
Ethan and Mattie's unspoken feelings and the tense, wordless atmosphere upon Zeena's return highlight the repression of emotions in the household.
Fate and Tragedy
A series of small misfortunes—the horse's injury, the search for glue, Zeena's early return—conspire against Ethan's plans, foreshadowing impending tragedy.
Characters to notice
- Ethan Frome
Struggles to hide his joy after the evening with Mattie; attempts to orchestrate errands to buy glue for the pickle dish but is thwarted by delays.
- Mattie Silver
Quietly aware of Ethan's restraint; waits alone in the kitchen and anxiously informs Ethan of Zeena's return.
- Zeena Frome
Returns home from Bettsbridge unexpectedly early, causing tension; goes directly to her room without speaking.
- Jotham Powell
Helps with the lumber and drives to the Flats to meet Zeena; later declines Ethan's offer of supper, hinting at something amiss.
- Denis Eady
Lounging at Michael Eady's store when Ethan comes for glue; unhelpful and dismissive.
- Mrs. Ned Hale
Mentioned as the widow Homan, who eventually finds the glue for Ethan and asks about Zeena's broken item.
Key passages
“He did not know why he was so irrationally happy, for nothing was changed in his life or hers.”
Ethan felt an inexplicable joy despite no real change in his circumstances.
Highlights Ethan's emotional state after the evening with Mattie.
“He remembered afterward, with a grim flash of self-derision, what importance he had attached to the weighing of these probabilities …”
Later, Ethan bitterly mocked himself for how seriously he had considered these small chances.
Foreshadows the futility of his efforts.
“They stood and stared at each other, pale as culprits.”
Ethan and Mattie looked at one another, both pale and guilty.
Captures the fear and tension upon Zeena's unexpected return.