1980. A recurring theme in literature is the classic war between a passion and responsibility. For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive may conflict with moral duty. Choose a literary work in which a character confronts the demands of a private passion that conflicts with his or her responsibilities. In a well-written essay show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.
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Moral duty results from considering what is right and wrong; it gives individuals a sense of structure in life. But that is only until duty meets its rival, passion. In Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton, Ethan is faced with the choice between duty to Zeena or happiness with Mattie. Ethan lets his ethical responsibility to his wife cloud his judgment illustrating that those who choose moral duty over private passion inevitably suffer.
Body paragraph #1--Duty to Zeena
Option 1: Ethan lives a miserable, unsatisfied life spent fulfilling his duty by taking care of his ailing wife Zeena.
Option 2: Ethan is trapped in a loveless marriage to Zeena where the only passion comes from their bickering.
Body paragraph #2--Happiness with Mattie
The happiness between Ethan and Mattie stems from her ability to provide comfort and companionship in Ethan’s life. Her bright and cheery personality is put into stark comparison to that of his wife, Zeena, miserable and barren of love. Mattie provides life and vitality to the house which was missing since the “L” was torn down, the heart of the home. Ethan notices how the house seems like a true home when Mattie is there….
Significance to Work/Conclusion
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