Mattie and Zeena, the two female protagonists of this novel have many differences that distinguish them from each other, but also similarities that capture the reader's interest. When they both came into Ethan's life, they were a breath of fresh air that broke the silence in Ethan's life. However, the crisp air Mattie brought was prolonged, and when Ethan began to fall into an abyss of silence again, she was there to get him to speak his mind and let his emotions out. She tried to have a positive outlook on life and try new things to benefit herself and others around her. Mattie was more outgoing and spontaneous unlike Zeena. While Mattie was out on the town, Zeena was home all day. Zeena was bitter and controlling towards Ethan and everyone else in her life. Regardless, they were both willing to help when push came to shove. "Zeena finished for Mattie, and she finished for Ethan, in the best way possible. It was a miracle, considering how ill she was - but she seemed to have recovered right when the call came. Not like her" She never stopped doing the doctor, and had periods of illness all the time; but she was given the strength to take care of those two for more than twenty years, and before the accident came, she thought she couldn't even take care of herself. ” (Wharton 23). So, even though Zeena was cruel and pessimistic most of the time, she was willing to return the favor with kindness and