The irresistible emotion that is desire has been an integral part of human nature. Benedict de Spinoza perfectly stated it: “Desire, the very essence of mankind.” While there are many ways to satisfy your desires in society, there are many obstacles that prevent you from achieving your goals. Ethan Frome, and Newland Arcer are two men whose dreams have been tragically thwarted by society’s criticism. Although they are from different social backgrounds, they share the same passion for unattainable passion. Both men feel profoundly affected by moral questions. Edith Wharton’s Ethan Frome & The Age of Innocence shows society as a restraint for fulfilling one’s dreams.
Ethan Frome is described as a quiet and reserved man. His dark environment makes it easy for him to impose restraints on him. Ethan is in love with Mattie but his environment clearly holds him back. Zeena, Ethan’s spouse and largest opponent, is his greatest hurdle. Ethan felt like he was in prison for his entire life and that his only ray of light, Mattie, was about to go. (Wharton, 107). Ethan wonders if Zeena’s persistent presence makes it impossible to forget that Zeena is there all the time. Zeena is not the only person that impacts Ethan’s desire for love, but her singularity can be a representation of society’s strict morals. Ethan’s desire and remorse for Mattie is clearly evident with these feelings. Zeena does not restrict Ethan’s passion. However, societal traditions have an impact on Ethan. Ethan’s night with Mattie is a reminder of how society can be morally heavy even in intimate moments. Ethan’s dreamlike night with Mattie is essentially infused by the imagined but vigilant eyes of society. Ethan felt that Mattie was “infinitely farther away” and less accessible in this warm, lit room. Ethan did not realize society was watching, but he knew that society had a strict set of moralities. Ethan realises his wishes are not achievable mentally and even physically as the evening ends. (Wharton 79). Ethan Frome was severely hindered by Zeena, society’s morality and Zeena herself. Ethan Frome is not the only victim of these limitations against desire; Newland Archer, Ethan’s co-protagonist, is also made to fall prey to society’s morals.
The same society’s limitations are shown when we move from Ethan Frome’s poor rural life to Newland Archer society’s affluent aristocrats. Ethan’s surroundings seem more terrifying than Newland’s rigid New York society structure. Newland is constantly being criticized by society for his love for Ellen. He keeps it secret to avoid any suspicions from gossipers. Newland is seen with Ellen alone and indirectly hinting at his desire to have Ellen. Ellen, however, is frustrated by society’s restrictions and exaggerates her desire for Ellen. . To spare one’s family from the scandal, publicity and the cost” (Wharton 159). New York society is rigid and holds onto traditional morals. This is the reason why they are so bitter. Newland’s love for Ellen appears to have ended in vain, as he fears that it will disfigure the family name. His desire to find Ellen is not only stopped during their youth, but also a senior Newland reflects on why Ellen was lost.
Newland may have lost some of his memories of Ellen as a child, but his thoughts about the moral threats society poses to him are clear. While his relationship with May was enjoyable, Newland’s insatiable desire to be with Ellen left a scar on his soul. Newland realized what he had lost in his youth: the joy of living. He thought it was impossible and impossible to achieve, so he pinned […]” (Wharton 294). Newland could have blossomed with this “flowers of life”, but that would be impossible according to society’s rules. Newland is still very conscious of Ellen’s influence on his conscience, even though he has been with her for so many years. This further confirms society’s moral limitations. Newland could have chosen Ellen but his place and time in society prevented him from doing so. This shows how oppressive society’s restrictions are.
Ethan Frome (modern-day Romeos/Juliets), NewlandArcher (modern-day Romeos/Juliets) and their loved ones were all kept in check by society’s stronghold. Ethan’s desire for Mattie was prevented by Zeena and society’s “eyes”. Newland Archer was unable to fulfill his everlasting love for the Countess Olenska because of New York’s upper-class society. Despite being from different cultures, these two men shared the same regret of not fulfilling their dreams. It’s clear that both were victims of society and that the love they lost deeply affected them. Ethan and Newland had a difficult road through society, and their love was ultimately sacrificed for society’s standards.
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