This mindset, the fear of becoming his mother, is what made him unable to escape Starkfield to pursue his dream of becoming an engineer. Dropping out of school to care for his parents and their land pushed him more towards Zeena since she helped care for Ethan's mother when she was sick. It seems that Zeena never lets Ethan forget this, which plays into her manipulative role in his life. .
When Zeena and Ethan got married, they agreed that they would sell the farm and saw-mill and move to a larger town, where Ethan could pursue his dream of becoming an engineer. Since the town was cut off from travellers, there had been no buyers for the property, and as the year went by, and Ethans parents passed, Zeena developed her "sickliness," making any move to a larger town impossible. Wharton illuminates the idea of Zeena faking her sickness in order to better control Ethan, knowing that if they ever did find a buyer and move, she would lose control of Him. .
Upon the passing of his parents, Zeena fell "ill", causing him to assume the responsibility of her primary caretaker, further delaying his personal development. "The doctor says it'll be my death if I go on slaving the way I've had to. He doesn't understand how I've stood it as long as I have." Zeena uses her illness to control Ethan, knowing he would do virtually anything to please her because that is the type of man he is. She speaks only in a complaining whine and her actions seem to be as vindictive as possible, including her backhanded comments. Through this she controls Ethan and her presence is known throughout the house, even in her absence. Wharton personifies the house cat as Zeena when her body is unavailable. When Zeena takes her trip to the doctors for 2 days, Ethan and Mattie use this opportunity have a romantic date together, "alone", but in reality theyre never going to be alone as long as Zeenas cat is around. Upon Ethans arrival that evening, Mattie prepares dinner.
