Ethan Frome

“”Ethan Frome”” is a novel by Edith Wharton, first published in 1911. The story is set in the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts, and is framed by a narrator who pieces together the story of the main character, Ethan Frome, through observations and stories told by townspeople. Ethan Frome is a farmer, trapped in a loveless and unhappy marriage to Zeena, a sickly and cantankerous woman. As Zeena’s health declines, her cousin, Mattie Silver, comes to live with them to help out around the house. Ethan is drawn to Mattie’s youthful energy and beauty, contrasting sharply with Zeena’s morose and sickly disposition. The plot intensifies when Zeena plans to replace Mattie with a new caregiver, threatening the only source of happiness Ethan has in his bleak life. In a desperate bid to stay together, Ethan and Mattie attempt to end their lives by sledding into a tree, but the plan fails tragically, leaving Mattie severely disabled and Ethan crippled. The novel concludes with an ironic twist: Ethan is now trapped more than ever, caring for two invalids, Zeena and Mattie, in a life of misery and unfulfilled desires. The story is a stark portrayal of desperate circumstances and the harsh realities of rural New England life. “”Ethan Frome”” is noted for its intense narrative and the deep emotional conflicts that drive its characters. —- ISBN: 9798324150013