This is not a love song.

[God]

In no way was Edith Wharton writing a love story. The entire point of this story is loneliness. Why did Ethan marry Zeena? So he didn't have to be alone. That didn't work out because Zeena fell silent and Ethan was alone again. So he found someone new. Mattie. In the end he doesn't want to be alone again when Mattie is sent away so he runs into a tree. <br><br>Now, don't get me wrong. This is a great novella. It explores more within the limits of it's style then a 3000 page sci-fi ever will. It has direct, yet vital, symbolism and, for this reason, is a great high school novel. <br><br>As a college study the thought of Ethan can be linked easily to a string of indecsive female led charecters ie. Hamlet Stephen Dedalus Oscar Vos<br> Their only difference is that eventually one takes control of their fate.<br><br>The book also raises amazing questions over the subjective point of a narrator ( think about the desire for Ethan to end up with Mattie). It also drags us into the ever circular pit of third person limited.<br><br>If you have the ability to comprehend basic symbolism than Ethan Wharton has written a novella purely for you.

[byquist]

Sure it's a love story. Doesn't he stand there under the shadow of a tree quietly observing her dancing, idolizing her? Doesn't he relish in being alone with her while riding home together early in the story? Those are magical moments for him. As John Mayer says, he's all stitched up; being solo with her gives his life an entirely new, intense, near-obsessive dimension. Sure sounds like worthy of the term "love." Also, as with Ibsen's "Rosmersholm," he's willing to "go the distance," put his life on the line. As a theme, lonliness is a commonality; penetrating love is more rare.