apped him when he wanted to go off with Mattie and it trapped him for the rest of his life after the accident. Zeena was the main source of the futility of Ethan’s existence. This is shown when Ethan reflects grimly that his seven years with Zeena seemed to Starkfield ‘not so long’(Wharton 64).Societal expectations further pressured Ethan. It hindered him from showing public affection to Mattie by its looking down upon their relationship. His marital obligation forced him to stay with Zeena even though he loved Mattie as divorce was looked down upon. His frustration about this is shown when Mattie has to leave and he says, what good’ll writing do? I want to do for you and care for you(Wharton 115). Ethan knows that society will never accept a relationship between himself and Mattie.Ethan’s internal disabilities take on an external appearance after the "accident". His physical form solidifies his being trapped in Starkfield, in his marriage, and in his life. He complains that he is tied hand and foot(Wharton 115).Both Ethan and Gregor are trapped by a physical disability, but they are also trapped by what most would consider the normal daily routine of life. It is important for people to be able to fulfill their obligations to family and society while still being content within themselves. Although these two cases are extreme, the consequences of feeling trapped within one’s own environment can be similar to those of Ethan and Gregor....
