Ethan Frome
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Ethan Frome is a 1911 novel by Edith Wharton. It is set in turn-of-the-century New England, in the fictitious town of Starkfield, Massachusetts.
Plot
In the novel, infidelity is explored as the title character wishes to feel vibrant and young again. His wife, Zenobia (nicknamed Zeena), is a hypochondriac and has led herself to believe that she is going to die. Her relatives send for her cousin, Mattie Silver, who needs work as she has been left penniless and an orphan.
He embarks on a chivalrous affair with his wife's cousin, which culminates in Ethan nearly leaving his wife numerous times. When Mattie displeases Zeena, she sends her back to the city. Emotion overcomes Ethan, and he tells Mattie that he wants to live with her forever. They decide to sled into a bulky tree, so it will kill them instantly and they can be together in heaven. The accident paralyzes Mattie and leaves Ethan with many ailments.
Presentation
The story is presented in a style reminscient of Peyton Place, in that a visitor to the town hears of the entire story not from Ethan, but from other villagers, like the visitor's landlady, Mrs. Ruth Varnum Hale and the trolley operator, Harmon Gow.
External links
- Template:Gutenberg
- Ethan Frome (http://www.amlit.com/ethfrome/chap0.html) at American Literature (http://www.amlit.com/)