SMian_Zeena's characterization 

Zeena Frome

Zeena Frome is silent, intuitive, secretive, and observant woman but she is considering as ”evil energy” and cold, unappealing.

The novelist describe thi character negatively in order to create in the readers resentment and contempt towards Zeena.

Indeed the novelist uses some despicable terms to describe Zeena, indeed she is described as "already an old woman,"

Also the physical description of Zeena is particular and important. Indeed Wharton describes Zeena's physical appearance as gaunt, wrinkled, and sallow-faced. Moreover she speaks in a whiny drawl.

Ethan marries her in order to avoid being left alone after his mother died. But he knew he had made a serious mistake, because Zeena's illnesses did not allow Ethan to move to a larger city like he wanted. Ethan thought that Zeena's illnesses were false, so she could manipulate Ethan with her illnesses but despite this he continued to take care of her.

Zeena holds complete control over Ethan.

At the beginning Zeena has not show any jealousy of Mattie. However she was not agree about the girl's inefficiency and she complained about the house-work. Then she suspects Ethan’s infatuation with Mattie and consequently resents Mattie’s presence. She plans to send Mattie away.

She dominated in the marriage through her combative words, humbling continuously Ethan and spent every money on doctors visits.