Ethan Frome

“”Ethan Frome”” is a novel by Edith Wharton, first published in 1911. The story is set in the bleak, rural town of Starkfield, Massachusetts, and revolves around the tragic life of its titular character, Ethan Frome. Wharton uses a frame narrative, where an unnamed narrator, who is in Starkfield for the winter, becomes intrigued by Ethan Frome’s story and pieces it together through conversations with the townspeople and his own observations. The novel begins with the unnamed narrator, an engineer who is temporarily residing in Starkfield, learning about Ethan Frome’s tragic past. The narrator’s curiosity is piqued by Ethan’s disfigured appearance and the air of mystery surrounding him. Through interactions with the locals, especially Harmon Gow and Mrs. Ned Hale, the narrator pieces together Ethan’s story. Ethan Frome had once been a hopeful young man who dreamed of escaping Starkfield to pursue an education and a better life. However, his plans are thwarted when his parents die, leaving him to manage the family farm. Feeling lonely and isolated, he marries Zeena, who initially came to care for his ailing mother. However, Zeena soon becomes chronically ill herself, transforming into a burdensome presence in Ethan’s life. The arrival of Mattie Silver, Zeena’s cousin, injects a rare joy into Ethan’s dreary existence. Mattie is the antithesis of Zeena—cheerful, lively, and full of warmth. Ethan and Mattie develop a deep emotional connection, and Ethan finds himself falling in love with her. Their affection grows in the face of Zeena’s increasing bitterness and hostility. Zeena, sensing the growing bond between Ethan and Mattie, decides to send Mattie away and hire a more efficient maid. This decision devastates Ethan, who cannot bear the thought of losing Mattie. He briefly considers running away with her but is constrained by his sense of duty and lack of financial means. In a moment of despair, Ethan and Mattie decide to take a final, reckless sled ride down a steep hill, intending to end their lives together rather than be separated. The attempt fails; instead of dying, they are severely injured in the crash. Ethan is left with a permanent limp and disfigurement, while Mattie becomes paralyzed and dependent on others for care. The frame narrative concludes with the narrator visiting the Frome household, where he witnesses the grim reality of Ethan’s life. Zeena, ironically, has become the caretaker for both Ethan and Mattie, who now live in a state of mutual misery and dependency. The once vibrant Mattie has turned into a bitter, demanding invalid, similar to Zeena. The novel explores the profound sense of isolation experienced by the characters, both physically and emotionally. Starkfield’s harsh winter landscape mirrors Ethan’s inner desolation and sense of entrapment. Ethan’s life is marked by a series of sacrifices and unfulfilled desires. His strong sense of duty to his family and moral integrity prevents him from pursuing happiness with Mattie. The illicit love between Ethan and Mattie is central to the novel. Their relationship, filled with longing and restraint, highlights the conflict between personal desire and social obligations. “”Ethan Frome”” underscores how the characters’ choices, driven by circumstances and societal expectations, lead to irreversible consequences. Wharton’s writing is characterized by its stark, evocative prose that vividly captures the bleakness of the setting and the inner turmoil of the characters. The use of a frame narrative adds a layer of complexity, allowing the reader to see the long-term impact of the events on Ethan’s life. —- ISBN: 9798327336698