Ethan Frome, Chapter 5 summary
Chapter 5 of 10 · 9 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 5, Ethan and Mattie spend a quiet evening together, and their ordinary conversation lets him imagine a lasting domestic closeness that Zeena’s absence briefly makes possible. Their first open discussion of Zeena’s attitude exposes their anxiety, and the evening ends with Ethan kissing Mattie’s sewing cloth but never touching her hand.
What happens
- After supper, Ethan returns from outdoor chores and enjoys sitting near Mattie, though her brief occupation of Zeena’s chair unsettles them.
- Their easy conversation turns to sledding, and Ethan describes the dangerous elm beside a corner on the Corbury road.
- Ethan mentions seeing Ruth and Ned kissing, but Mattie’s embarrassment frustrates his hope for playful intimacy.
- Mattie asks whether Zeena dislikes her, and Ethan denies hearing any complaint before they silently share contact through her sewing cloth.
- The cat sets Zeena’s chair rocking, breaking Ethan’s dream of lasting closeness, and he kisses the cloth before Mattie puts it away.
- They finish household chores and say good night; after Mattie leaves, Ethan realizes he never touches her hand.
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What does Ethan kiss near the end of the evening?
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