1. A Discussion on Marriage and Divorce

2. How do the time periods compare? A. The institution of marriage was considered more sacred in post-Victorian America as compared to today, and this is a cause for concern because it reflects a negative shift in our cultural values. B. The institution of marriage was considered more sacred in post-Victorian America as compared to today, but this is not a cause for concern because it represents a positive shift in our cultural values. C. The institution of marriage is actually more sacred today, because people have more choices about starting or ending a relationship.

3. Do you agree or disagree? Based on my research, I would say Ethan and Zeena had a prototypical marriage for post-Victorian America. Other points to consider: Ethan is a prototypical post-Victorian American male. Zeena is a prototypical post-Victorian female.

4. What do you think? Many literary critics speculate the Edith Wharton intended the character of Ethan Frome to represent herself, as she was trapped in a marriage and had no means of getting out. Based on your research and your reading of the text, does Edith Wharton effectively use Ethan Frome’s character to convey the plight of the unhappily married woman around the turn of the century?

5. Is this book still relevant? A.Edith Wharton’s work is still relevant today because marriage is still a dominant cultural institution. B.Edith Wharton’s work is still relevant today because people still find themselves in similar situations in their marriage. C.Edith Wharton’s work is no longer relevant because our culture does not take the institution of marriage as seriously as Ethan does. D.Edith Wharton’s work is no longer relevant because, in 2009, Ethan would just get a divorce and be done with the marriage.