Now that you’ve listed some important elements in the story, pick a topic from Ethan Frome. Write an essay of approximately four or five paragraphs detailing how the topic relates to your understanding of the novel as a whole. Here are some suggested topics, but you may choose your own:

Explore the idea of communication among the characters in the novel. What theme does Wharton attempt to convey through their communication?
What does the pickle dish seem to symbolize in the novel?
What type of tragic hero does Ethan Frome represent? Explore the differences between a classic tragic hero and a more modern tragic hero.
Read more about writing argumentative essays and some general guidelines for writing an essay.

Optional Peer Review
Before submitting this assignment, it may be helpful to have another person read your essay. Identify two or three specific things to look for when reviewing your work. This may include correct spelling and punctuation, or whether your ideas were clearly presented and supported with evidence from the text.

Upload your essay to the Graded Activities panel on the left-hand side of the screen. Be sure to submit the assignment for grading.

A theme is a central topic, subject, or message within a narrative. “Ethan Frome” by Edith Wharton has two prominent themes. The first theme that I saw in “Ethan Frome” is the social pressure and moral obligation to do what is right. I noticed that sometimes, even with everyone around you watching and judging your every move, you can and should do what makes you happy while still being pleasant to those you are letting down. Another theme that I saw in “Ethan Frome” was the effect of the winter weather on the residents of Starkfield. The small town seemed more depressing in the cold climate, and that emotion carried into spring for some residents. I noticed that, when the warm weather came, Starkfield was the happy, loving town that the narrator expected it to be.

let me know if its good or if you need any more help!

ps. i wrote my (2) body paragraphs off of the major themes i saw in the story, i mentioned those themes here.