Struggles in Ethan Frome And Catcher In The Rye Essay

The novels Ethan Frome and Catcher in the Rye by Edith Wharton and J.D.Salinger, respectively, are two great works that depict two characters struggles in life. Three themes that both novels share are the need for companionship, regret over lost potential and immersion in a fantasy world. Ethan Frome and Holden Caulfield are both very lonely characters in desperate need for companionship and compassion. They both search for human contact of sorts to prevent the onset of loneliness. Frome marries Zenobia Pierce prematurely, only to obviate the mortal silence oflong imprisonment. (Wharton, page 61) He wanted the sound of a voice to fill the void on his farm. (Wharton, page 61) Likewise, Holden seeks conviviality with Sally Hayes though he dislikes her phoniness. He ends the depress[ing] date by calling Sally a royal pain in the ass.(Salinger, page 133) Both characters were merely looking for companionship in their otherwise lonely lives but both encounters ended badly, for Frome on a large scale and for Holden on a smaller scale. Undoubtedly, these rash acts to receive camaraderie illustrate the foolhardiness of the protagonists. They both abhor solitude but are unsure how to find viable friendship.

Throughout both novels, many characters, if not the protagonists themselves, express regret over lost potential. Ethan Frome had a premature end put to his studies. (Wharton, page 24) His great interest in the narrators biochemistry book reflects not only his aggrieve[ment] at is own ignorance but also his keen interest for learning. It also reflects his compunction for neglect of his education. Although Holden himself does not have any qualms about ruining his education, others around him, like Frome, express regret that what could have been, will never be. Mr.Antolini sees Holden dying noblyfor some highly unworthy cause. (Salinger, page 188) He says that Holden is heading for a horrible fall over a high precipice. He deplores this lost potential in Holden, who he views as a headstrong fellow who should instead concentrate on liv[ing] humbly for a cause. (Salinger, page 188) The underlying theme of regret in both novels provides a sharp contrast between what is and what could have been.

When one lives in a fantasy world rather than in reality, any progress that could be made in real life is hindered. Advancement and implementation of change are halted. Both Ethan and Holden are fully absorbed in their fantasy worlds where life is exactly as they want it to be. Ethan Frome always imagines Mattie lying beside him in his grave and how they would behave like a married couple, he in his stocking feet and smoking pipe [and] she laughing.(Wharton, page 66) Yet, not once does he muster the courage to tell her how he fells about her and seems always to be on the brink of eloquence.(Wharton, page 73) Similarly, Holden is immersed in fantasies of moving out West and pretending that he would be a deaf-mute so he would be through with having conversation for the rest of [his] life.(Salinger, page 198) Both characters are so engrossed in their own worlds that they forget about reality. They refuse to face the stark facts of their respective lives. Overall, this is one of the many factors that prevent them from moving forward and affecting change.