Against: Ethan Frome is not a tragic hero. He is far too pathetic for that.

According to Aristotelians Tragic Hero characteristics there are four main ones. The trait that applies to Ethan Frome is Hamartia. This is translated into tragic flaw. Ethan Frome’s fatal flaw is his inability to express his feelings. On page 31 Ethan Frome is lost for words as he is unable to come up with a “dazzling phrase” and says “come along” instead. This suggests that he is trying to sum up an intelligent yet romantic phrase however his fatal flaw stops him from expressing his feelings. The phrase “come along” is repeated on page 33, this emphasizes Frome’s eagerness to impress Mattie but his conscious takes a toll on him. Therefore this shows a clear indication that Ethan Frome has characteristics that make him a tragic hero.

Against: Ethan Frome is not a tragic hero. He is far too pathetic for that.

According to Aristotelians Tragic Hero characteristics there are four main ones. The trait that applies to Ethan Frome is Hamartia. This is translated into tragic flaw. Ethan Frome’s fatal flaw is his inability to express his feelings. On page 31 Ethan Frome is lost for words as he is unable to come up with a “dazzling phrase” and says “come along” instead. This suggests that he is trying to sum up an intelligent yet romantic phrase however his fatal flaw stops him from expressing his feelings. The phrase “come along” is repeated on page 33, this emphasizes Frome’s eagerness to impress Mattie but his conscious takes a toll on him. Therefore this shows a clear indication that Ethan Frome has characteristics that make him a tragic hero.