In “Ethan Frome,” Edith Wharton expresses the idea that freedom is simply 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 short story emphasizes how Ethan will make choices that ultimately lead to his downfall. In Edith Wharton, “Ethan Frome.” Ethan is stuck between his duty as a husband and his desire for happiness; However, rather than 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 truly in love with each other. This can be proven when Mattie turned down Denis Eady, the "rich Irish grocer", for Ethan. Another example is when Mattie “had an eye and an ear to hear” who not only listened but also understood Ethan. However, it was the "lover" archetype that Wharton incorporated into Ethan that blurred the image of Mattie in Ethan's eyes. Mattie is a manipulator who dragged Ethan into his predicament and...