How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"There are things in that book that I didn't know the first word about," he said. (Prologue.35)
Here, the theme of education is introduced. Ethan is marveling at what he's read about biochemistry in the engineer's magazine. Only by the end of the novella can we fully see how much Ethan's lack of education factors into his tragedy.
Quote #2
His unfinished studies had given form to this sensibility and even in his unhappiest moments field and sky spoke to him with a deep and powerful persuasion. (1.11)
According to this passage, education can stimulate love and understanding of natural beauty. That Ethan's education is "unfinished" suggests that he's only understanding a fraction of what he could if he only had received more education.
Quote #3
His father's death, and the misfortunes following it, had put a premature end to Ethan's studies […]. (1.2)
Ethan will mourn his loss forever. A fine mind that will never reach it's full potential. Is it Ethan's own fault that he didn't continue studying, or are his circumstances to blame? If you say both are responsible, would you assign greater blame to one or the other?
Quote #4
"That's Orion down yonder; the big fellow to the right is Aldebaran, and the bunch of little ones-like bees swarming-they're the Pleiades..." (1.12)
Ethan obviously has an intimate knowledge of the night sky, and delights in showing this to Mattie.
Quote #5
The fact that admiration for his learning mingled with Mattie's wonder at what he taught was not the least part of his pleasure. (1.12)
Ethan would also have made an excellent teacher, it sounds like, though we can only assume that Mattie is learning from as he says.
Quote #6
When she tried to extend the field of her activities in the direction of stenography and book-keeping her health broke down, and six months on her feet behind the counter of a department store did not tend to restore it. (3.6)
From this we gather that Mattie isn't used to studying. We know she can read, because she reads Ethan's letter, but whatever her education is, it must be sparse. As a result, she is extremely limited in her options.
Quote #7
He had always wanted to be an engineer, and to live in towns, where there were lectures and big libraries and "fellows doing things." (4.7)
Ethan's educational and social goals are explicit, and the lack of means to attain them seems to color every moment of his being. Next time you think school is a drag, try thinking of Ethan's tragic situation.
Quote #8
Zeena laughed. It was on odd unfamiliar sound-he did not remember ever having heard her laugh before. "You didn't suppose I was going to keep two girls, did you? No wonder you were scared at the expense!" (7.54)
This is definitely a learning experience for Ethan. He realizes that Zeena is several steps ahead of him, that she see how much Mattie means to him, and that she means to put a stop to the whole things, as soon as possible. It's also amazing that Ethan can't remember her laughing before.