The Constant Battle Of Wealth In Wharton's Ethan Frome

The 1960’s were a very judgmental time in America. Many individuals were affected by the constant battle of self image. They cared how others thought of themselves based on many futile things such as wealth, property owned and religion. In order to appear more attractive to others, many people totally disregarded their morals and tried their best to achieve success. Ethan, Allen and Margie all battled against mortality and wealth throughout the novel. Ethan tries to be a good person, but eventually falls into despair, Allen cheats in order to try and find a fast way to wealth, and Margie uses everything, including her own body to try and receive money. Ethan first starts as an honest, integrant and overall very passive man. Ethan never cared about wealth all that much; he only cared about the happiness of his family. He tried ignoring the new values of the current society, but he could not escape from them when his

Readers can clearly see that she does not have high morals or standards and that she only cares about wealth. She openly flirts with almost all the men in the town for one reason; she is searching for someone to support her financially. Being divorced she had been living of her ex-husband’s annulment, however he was soon to die which meant she could no longer receive money. Margie knew that Ethan was looking to gain social status so she used that to her advantage. She instigated him and deceived Ethan in order to receive a part of his wealth. Towards the end of the novel, Margie promises Ethan friendship, and to keep all of his actions a secret between the two of them, as long as Ethan gives her some of the profit he would earn from Taylor Meadow. She even goes as far as offering sexual intercourse for a part of the profit. Margie does not care what others think of her, and has no morals to conflict against. She cares only about money and her own