Ethan Frome: Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

After the scene in the kitchen, Ethan goes on his nightly inspection of the farm. He returns to find the kitchen empty, with his pipe laid out for him, and a note from Mattie telling him not to worry. In the kitchen he finds a note from Mattie that reads, "Don't trouble, Ethan." He enters his cold unused study and thinks about how he has sacrificed his life for Zeena, and recalls a married man he knew who deserted his own wife and went west with the girl he loved.

He begins writing a letter to Zeena, telling her he is leaving her to go west with Mattie, and will leave Zeena the farm.

As he writes, Ethan is besieged with doubts about whether Zeena will be able to sell the farm, and how she will keep it going until she finds a buyer. He also worries how he will be able to support Mattie, considering he has no money and he knows no one who will lend to him.

As Ethan lies hopelessly on the sofa, he sees the moon through the window-pane and remembers that he had promised to take Mattie sledding. The beauty of the snowy landscape seems to mock his wretchedness, and he falls asleep.

At dawn, Mattie appears in the doorway wearing her red scarf. She is pale and says she has been awake all night, listening for him to come upstairs. As daylight comes and the stove warms the kitchen, Ethan feels more hopeful. He tells Mattie he thinks things will "straighten out" and not to take any notice of what Zeena says.

Ethan goes out to the barn, where he meets Jotham Powell. Jotham tells Ethan that Daniel Byrne is willing to take Mattie's trunk to Corbury Flats, so that the sleigh will be lighter when he takes Mattie to the station to catch the six o'clock train and to pick up the new hired girl. Ethan says it hasn't been decided yet that Mattie is definitely leaving.

At breakfast, Zeena is unusually alert and active. While Ethan looks on, she criticizes Mattie for neglecting the geraniums, accuses her of stealing a number of items, and discusses the logistics of Mattie's departure with Jotham Powell.

Ethan is ashamed at what Mattie must think of him and confused about what to do, though he has resolved to do something. He tells Jotham he is going to Starkfield and that he won't be back for dinner. As he walks to the village the landscape reminds him of Mattie and he realizes he must act at once. He decides to ask Andrew Hale for an advance on the lumber, using the lie that he needs the money to pay the hired girl.

At the Hale's house, Mrs. Andrew Hale greets Ethan and expresses sympathy for Zeena's poor health and for Ethan's troubles. Ethan is grateful for her sympathy, and continues on his mission, feeling sure that the Hales' compassion will make it easy for him to get the money he needs from them.

Ethan quickens his pace, but his conscience overwhelms him as he realizes the immorality of his plan to abandon his wife or to deceive two people who are kind enough to pity him. He turns back to the farm.