How does Zeena manipulate Ethan?
Similarly, it is asked, how does Zeena feel about Ethan?
Zeena's rule over Ethan is powerful. She is seen as a "mysterious alien presence" and an "evil energy." Zeena is silent, secretive, and observant. When she does speak, it is to voice either a want or a criticism; consequently, before the arrival of Mattie, silence has prevailed in the Frome household.
Similarly one may ask, why does Ethan marry Zeena?
Ethan married Zeena because he was afraid of silence, just as his mother was. The Fromes appear to suffer from a fear of loneliness, which causes them to make poor decisions. Wharton implies that Zeena got "ill" because she couldn't bear moving to a larger town where Ethan would be out of her control.
-Zeena liked living in a small town because she felt more important and liked looking down on people. As opposed to her living in a big city where people would look down on her instead.