Questions: Mattie cannot imagine a life without Ethan, so ironically she believes what is better? Killing him Committing suicide Leaving Starkfield Marrying someone else

The answer is: Committing suicide.

Explanation for each option:

1. Killing him: This option is incorrect. In Edith Wharton's novel "Ethan Frome," Mattie does not consider killing Ethan as a solution to their predicament. Her feelings for Ethan are rooted in love and desperation, not violence.

2. Committing suicide: This is the correct answer. In the novel, Mattie and Ethan, feeling trapped by their circumstances and unable to envision a future apart, contemplate suicide as a way to escape their hopeless situation. This tragic decision underscores the depth of their despair and the intensity of their bond.

3. Leaving Starkfield: This option is incorrect. While leaving Starkfield might seem like a logical solution, Mattie does not seriously consider it as a viable option. Her lack of resources and the societal constraints of the time make this an impractical choice for her.

4. Marrying someone else: This option is incorrect. Mattie does not entertain the idea of marrying someone else. Her emotional attachment to Ethan is too strong, and she cannot imagine a life with another person.

In summary, Mattie and Ethan's contemplation of suicide reflects their extreme emotional state and the perceived impossibility of finding happiness within the confines of their reality.