Ethan Frome Naturalism

Words: 1717

Pages: 7

Open Document

Rylie Homa Mr. Williams Honors English 2 28 February 2024 The Lasting Imprint of Naturalism and Realism on a Century’s Canvas The climax of Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton conveyed a very dramatic and tragic: “The sled swerved in response, but he righted it again, kept it straight, and drove down on the black projecting mass. There was a last instant when the air shot past him like millions of fiery wires; and then the elm.” (Wharton Chapter 9). The event of Mattie and Ethan purposely running into the elm tree occurred in this work because they both wanted to die together, and not have to deal with the separation of each other from society. Thus, this conflict appears as an example of naturalism. The naturalist philosophy deals with life compiled …show more content…
To add on, the realist movement during the 1865-1900s reveals a different perspective alongside the idea of naturalism. Realism depicts the idea of real people, conflicts, and settings, along with how characters would handle a life changing event. The three works titled Ethan Frome by Edith Warton, “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson, and “Sympathy” by Paul Lawrence Dunbar all contain a view of the naturalism and realism movements. Naturalistic conflicts in the literature of these writing’s time periods expose the general forces of nature or society that shape human existence, thereby prevailing challenges that people face in life. The novel Ethan Frome written by Edith Wharton reveals a tragic story about a man named Ethan who becomes stuck in a loveless marriage with his wife, Zeena. He falls for Mattie, Zeena’s cousin, causing a tense love triangle. The forbidden feelings between Ethan and Mattie lead to a sledding accident, changing their fates forever. Furthermore, Ethan has grown up without the support of a mother or father, which leaves him to take care of everything on his

What Is Ethan Frome Naturalism

Literature encapsulates the time period it represents, and blankets the guise of the era it takes place. The social class ordinance, meticulously constructed by the society of the United States of America, led to the downfall of love and passion. Naturalism, defined by Washington State University: “a type of literature that attempts to apply scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to its study of human beings.” Realism, though related throughout the unit, defined as, also by Washington…

Words 1467 - Pages 6

What Is Ethan Frome Naturalism

Aubrey DeJacimo Mr. Williams Honors English II 22 February 2024 Literary Landscapes: Navigating Realism and Naturalism A young soldier serving the Union during the American Civil War spies a lone Confederate horseman. Although he feels guilty for taking a seemingly innocent life, he knows his duty to protect his unit. As he moves away from the bushes concealing him, he realizes that the identity of the horseman belongs to his father. Ambrose Bierce maneuvers this plot point in his short story, “A…

Words 2330 - Pages 10

Ethan Frome Research Paper

Jack Litton Mr. Williams Honors English 10 22 February 2024 Naturalism vs. Realism: Reflecting Truth in Literature “When winter shut down on Starkfield and the village lay under a sheet of snow perpetually renewed from the pale skies, I began to see what life there- or rather its negation- must have been in Ethan Frome's young manhood” (Wharton intro). Realism is characterized by its portrayal of ordinary life and its depiction of reality; this further extends realism by emphasizing environment,…

Words 1786 - Pages 8

Ethan Frome Research Paper

to describe the troubles of African-Americans in the 19th century, along with many other people of that time. Realism and Naturalism are very closely related movements that started in the 19th century. According to Twinkl USA, realism portrays settings and characters as they exist, while naturalism focuses on the biological, economic, and social aspects. For example, Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton is about falling in love with someone you shouldn’t, and doing anything to achieve happiness. Likewise,…

Words 1531 - Pages 7

Frome Rhetorical Analysis

utilized by Edith Wharton in her novel Frome include foreshadowing, imagery, and symbolism. Foreshadowing is used throughout the book to hint at future events, building tension and creating a sense of anticipation. Imagery allows readers to visualize the characters and setting in great detail, immersing them in the story's world. Additionally, symbolism is woven into the narrative, adding depth to the themes explored in the novel. One theme in Frome is naturalism, a literary movement that depicts human…

Words 254 - Pages 2

Ethan Frome Analysis

Levi Armitage, Mr. Williams Honors American Literature 23 February 2024 Exploring the intersection of Realism and Naturalism: A literary analysis of selected works. Shannon L. Alder articulated, “The true definition of mental illness is when the majority of your time is spent in the past or future, but rarely living in the realism of NOW.” This profound statement deeply resonates with our own lived experiences, as it highlights the tendency for individuals to immerse themselves in contemplation of…

Words 1707 - Pages 7

Ethan Frome Research Paper

other hand, people who reflect the light are the ones that bring forth negativity and pessimistic feelings. Realism means real people, real settings, and real conflicts that happen to the average person. Naturalism conveys the struggles and conflicts that people face. Edith Wharton wrote Ethan Frome, an average male in New England, who faced struggles and conflicts for the duration of his life. He experiences heredity, physical limitations, and economic conflicts. Edwin Arlington Robinson…

Words 1445 - Pages 6

The Outcasts Of Poker Flats, By Edwin Arlington Robinson

It was based on the philosophy that life appears as a series of inescapable conflicts that causes struggles. Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, “The Outcasts of Poker Flats” by Bret Harte, and “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson have naturalistic conflicts that contribute to the author's purpose. Naturalistic conflicts contribute to the author's purpose in the writings…

Words 1504 - Pages 7