Ethan Frome

“”Ethan Frome”” by Edith Wharton is a novella that delves into themes of tragic love, isolation, and the oppressive environment of rural New England. Set in the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts, the story spans over two decades in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but primarily recounts events from one winter. The novella begins with an unnamed narrator who becomes curious about Ethan Frome, a local, disfigured man who has caught his interest due to Frome’s sad and mysterious aura. Through chance and persistent questioning, the narrator pieces together the tragic story of Ethan Frome’s life. Ethan, the protagonist, is a farmer trapped in a loveless and unhappy marriage with his sickly and querulous wife, Zeena. Zeena’s cousin, Mattie Silver, comes to live with them to help out around the house. Unlike Zeena, Mattie is vibrant and young, and Ethan soon falls in love with her. However, their love is unspoken and filled with tension due to the constraints imposed by his marriage and their moral values. As Zeena becomes aware of Ethan’s feelings for Mattie, she decides to send Mattie away and replace her with another housekeeper. Desperate at the thought of losing Mattie and their chance at happiness, Ethan contemplates escaping with Mattie, but their plans are foiled by lack of money and Ethan’s sense of duty. In a moment of despair and impulsive decision-making, Ethan and Mattie attempt to end their lives by sledding into a tree, hoping to stay together in death if not in life. However, the suicide attempt fails, leaving both of them severely injured and crippled. The story ends with Ethan, Zeena, and Mattie living together in bitter circumstances, bound by disability, poverty, and unhappiness, a stark embodiment of their failed attempt to break free from their suffocating life conditions. “”Ethan Frome”” is a poignant exploration of desire, responsibility, and the harsh realities of rural life. Wharton uses the bleak, wintry landscape of New England to mirror the stark and frozen inner world of her characters, creating a powerful and enduring narrative. —- ISBN: 9798327883086