... with a tortured expression on his face. Ethan is a sensitive character with a deep appreciation for nature, and who is drawn to the beauty and vitality of Mattie Silver, his wife's younger cousin. Though Ethan would rather leave Starkfield, poverty and the responsibility to care for his wife force him to stay. Towards the end ... decides to try suicide instead of face the consequences of any other decisions he has made. He survives and spends the next 24 years caring for Mattie and Zeena. "He was too young, too strong, too full of the sap of living, to submit so easily to the destruction ...

• Word Count: 700
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... of a stronger arm -(15) So to accommodate Zeena, a cousin by the name of Mattie Silver comes to assist Zeena with daily chores. Mattie, being a young and robust girl, is seen as "inefficient- and having "no natural turn for housekeeping- (15). Mattie, also, "was quick to learn, but forgetful and dreamy, and not disposed to take ... like, Ethan takes a great liking to her: "The two leaned forward at the same moment and their hands met on the handle of the jug. Mattie's hand was underneath, and Ethan kept his clasped on it a moment longer than was necessary- (35). Trouble begins to brew i...

• Word Count: 833
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... . Throughout the novel, the setting represents both the character's moods, and the characters themselves. Setting is constantly used to describe Mattie. Mattie is, quite often, compared to spring, a symbol of life. Mattie comes to Starkfield in the springtime. When she comes, she becomes Ethan's reason for living. She is really the only life ... in the household, because Zeena is sick, and Ethan is unhappy. Mattie is also described with the color red. She has a red scarf, red ribbon in her hair, a red bedspread, and red lips and cheeks. The ... symbolic of life and love, as Ethan falls ...

• Word Count: 275
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: High School

... exactly like the novel's; cold, quiet, isolated, and downtrodden. While Neeson's appearance was nearly flawless, some definite flaws can be found in Patricia Arquette's character, Mattie Silver. The Mattie portrayed in the film seems very querulous and annoying, like a spoiled little princess, while in the novel she takes on a more happy role, with bright ... she doesn't get what she wants, but has a noticeable spring in her step and is feeling better the day that Mattie is supposed to leave. The Zeena portrayed in the movie was just as I had imagined the Zeena in the novel. The casting...

• Word Count: 614
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School