Research Paper on:
Tragic Hero Ethan Frome

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
providing an overview of the Edith Whartons Ethan Frome, evaluates the protagonists role. The reason why he is a tragic hero is discussed in depth. Many quotes from the work  are provided. No additional sources cited. SA133EF.rtf The character Ethan Frome, to some, is a tragic hero. Indeed, at first glance, it does appear that Edith Wharton  took great pains to paint Ethan as a tragic hero, and juxtaposed some other characters in the work-such as Zeena-- to render him less evil. Still, there is evil that  seems to lurk beneath the fa?ade that the author so gently paints on this pathetic character some seem to love. Most however, will feel disdain for Ethan, a character who  has a sense of commitment, but no backbone. In embarking on this topic, the definition of "tragic hero" becomes important. What is a  tragic hero? Some authors have believed that tragic heroes are generally from the upper classes, contain good character and thus, the characters are not likely to perform bad deeds.  One might equate this definition with that of the Preppy murderer Robert Chambers who in the eighties killed Jennifer Levin. It was a tragedy due to the murder, or possible  death during rough sex in the park, but the players were of an elite class. Similarly, today, people are intrigued by the disappearance of Chandra Levy. While heroes may come  out of the stories, tragic heroes are most likely to emerge when the upper crust is involved. It is the heros  class position that renders it unlikely for the character to perform bad deeds, or get into trouble, but also what makes it possible for him to be a hero, despite