Ethan Frome: My Nutshell Version
She's taken to the bed
Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton… An assigned high school reading. My nutshell version:
A distant cousin named Zeena was brought into the home to care for Ethan’s ailing mother. When Ethan’s mother dies Ethan and the older Zeena marry.
Sure enough, as time passes and life hardens, Zeena becomes sickly herself with chronic illnesses and pain which leads to the need of household help.
The plot thickens with the arrival of Zeena’s young, vibrant niece Mattie who quickly catches Ethan’s eye.
Spoiler alert!
Several chapters chronicle Ethan and Mattie‘s tortured love. They really do try to resist the magnetic pull of soulmates meeting. As happens, their love meets its demise leaving Ethan with a dramatic limp and Mattie bedridden. Drumroll please, guess who rises to the occasion?
Yep, Zeena rises up from her medical fragility to take care of the town’s scandalized lovers.
Who knew Ethan Frome would stick in the back of my mind for 40 years? Given purpose and meaning Zeena’s ailments take a backseat to her new calling: martyrdom.
I frequently see patients who have chronic pain. Their pain is real and the fear that the pain will return, worsen or never go away is ever-present. Many times I see patients become isolated and depressed in their pain.
As a physical therapist I am using my skills to reduce the volume of their symptoms: Decreasing the intensity, frequency and duration of pain are my goals.
I also strongly encourage people to engage in purpose and meaning to combat isolation and depression that may accompany their pain.
Alas, Zeena resurfaces.
Interact with people perhaps at a public library where it is safe and accessible.
Volunteer where there is positive energy such as an elementary school.
Commit to a community of potential reciprocal support such as a church.
Walk or just sit outside for 15 minutes a day within your neighborhood.
Look outside yourself to see others in need of a smile or encouragement.
Thank you Edith Wharton for influencing me in my everyday therapy practice.