Ethan Frome, Chapter 1 summary
Chapter 1 of 10 · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, Ethan Frome watches Mattie Silver dance with Denis Eady and doubts whether their shared pleasures mean as much to her as to him. Memories of his wife’s complaints about Mattie and remarks about his changed appearance turn his jealousy into fear that their closeness is under threat.
What happens
- Ethan walks through snowy Starkfield and secretly watches a church basement dance through a window.
- Denis Eady leads Mattie Silver in a lively dance, provoking Ethan’s jealousy.
- Ethan remembers welcoming Mattie into his household and discovering their shared delight in nature during walks home.
- Mattie’s pleasure with other dancers makes Ethan doubt that her warmth toward him is special.
- He recalls helping with Mattie’s chores while Zeena increasingly criticizes her housekeeping.
- Remembering Zeena’s remarks about Mattie marrying Denis and his own daily shaving, Ethan fears what his wife notices.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Zeena reveals that she notices Ethan’s changed habits. Her observation frightens him more than her suggestions about Mattie and Denis.
Quick check
Why does Zeena’s remark about shaving frighten Ethan?
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