One of the major themes in Ethan Frome was being forced to live by society's rules. No matter which direction Ethan Frome chose, he was going to be criticized for the decision. If he stayed with his wife, he would be criticized for being unhappy and staying in an unhealthy relationship. If he was to divorce his wife, he would be criticized and accused of cheating on his wife, Zeena. Also, if Ethan was to divorce his wife for Mattie, he would be looked down on for going through a divorce in a time where divorce was completely unacceptable but marrying a cousin is acceptable.
"All his life was lived in the sight and sound of Mattie Silver, and he could no longer conceive of its being otherwise." (pg. 27)
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