MovieChat Forums > Ethan Frome (1993) Discussion > Zeena question

Zeena question

posted 10 years ago by Jpebony123
1 reply | jump to latest

I haven't read the book, so I'm not sure how Zeena is portrayed. Does she have a physical illness or is it one of a psychological nature? Is she a hypochondriac?

I am asking because it seems that at certain times in the movie, her coughing seems to appear when she feels a loss of control or becomes uncomfortable in a situation.

It sounds like she doesn't want to get better. If I recall correctly, she and Ethan were going to move to the city where he would get a promising job. However, Zeena's illness kept them on the farm. Would't a move to the city be more beneficial for her, as the options for medical care be greater?

I really liked the movie and do have sympathy for all characters involved.

[–] Fallchildrenx 10 years ago

in the novel, it's believed that she has some sort of problem with her kidneys, but it doesn't go much further than that. however, it's also implied that she is somewhat exaggerating her condition in hopes of keeping mattie and ethan apart. like most novels, you have to pick and choose what you want to believe.