In “Ethan Frome,” Edith Wharton conveys the idea that freedom is just out of reach for the protagonist, Ethan Frome. The presence of a doomed romance and a ruthless love triangle forces Ethan to choose between his duty and his personal desire. Wharton's use of archetypes in the story emphasizes how Ethan will make choices that ultimately lead to his downfall. In Edith Wharton, "Ethan Frome." Ethan is caught between his duty as a husband and his desire for happiness; However, instead of choosing one or the other, Ethan's indecision makes not only himself, but also Mattie and Zeena unhappy. Throughout the novel Mattie and Ethan are genuinely in love with each other. This can be demonstrated when Mattie rejected Denis Eady, the "rich Irish grocer", for Ethan. Another example was when Mattie “had eyes and ears to listen” that she not only listened but also understood Ethan. However, it was the “lover” archetype that Wharton incorporated into Ethan that tarnished Mattie's image in Ethan's eyes. Mattie is a manipulator who dragged Ethan into his predicament...