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"Ethan Frome" is a novel by Edith Wharton, first published in 1911. Set in the fictional New England town of Starkfield, it tells the story of Ethan Frome, a man trapped in a loveless marriage to his sickly and demanding wife, Zeena. Their lives change when Zeena's young cousin, Mattie Silver, comes to live with them to help with household chores.
Ethan and Mattie soon develop feelings for each other, but their love is doomed by their circumstances. They cannot openly express their love due to Ethan's marriage and the strict moral code of the time. The novel explores themes of duty, morality, and the consequences of desire.
The narrative is framed by a prologue and epilogue set in the present, where the narrator encounters the now-disabled Ethan and learns his tragic story. Through flashbacks, the reader discovers the events leading to Ethan's current state, including his youthful ambitions, his marriage to Zeena, and his growing love for Mattie.
Wharton's prose is spare and evocative, perfectly capturing the starkness of the New England landscape and the emotional repression of her characters. "Ethan Frome" is a powerful and tragic tale of love and duty, highlighting the destructive impact of unfulfilled desires and the harsh realities of rural life in the early 20th century.
"Ethan Frome" is a novel by Edith Wharton, first published in 1911. Set in the fictional New England town of Starkfield, it tells the story of Ethan Frome, a man trapped in a loveless marriage to his sickly and demanding wife, Zeena. Their lives change when Zeena's young cousin, Mattie Silver, comes to live with them to help with household chores.
Ethan and Mattie soon develop feelings for each other, but their love is doomed by their circumstances. They cannot openly express their love due to Ethan's marriage and the strict moral code of the time. The novel explores themes of duty, morality, and the consequences of desire.
The narrative is framed by a prologue and epilogue set in the present, where the narrator encounters the now-disabled Ethan and learns his tragic story. Through flashbacks, the reader discovers the events leading to Ethan's current state, including his youthful ambitions, his marriage to Zeena, and his growing love for Mattie.
Wharton's prose is spare and evocative, perfectly capturing the starkness of the New England landscape and the emotional repression of her characters. "Ethan Frome" is a powerful and tragic tale of love and duty, highlighting the destructive impact of unfulfilled desires and the harsh realities of rural life in the early 20th century.
- Cover
- Books that Speak to us Across Time
- Also from Trove
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- About the Author
- About the Book
- CONTENTS
- Ethan Frome
- Chapter I
- Chapter II
- Chapter III
- Chapter IV
- Chapter V
- Chapter VI
- Chapter VII
- Chapter VIII
- Chapter IX
- Back Cover
Edith Wharton, born Edith Newbold Jones lived from 1862 to 1937. He was an American novelist, short story writer and designer. Wharton is renowned for her penetrating social observations, sharp wit and insightful critiques of the upper-class society of her time. She was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, awarded to her in 1921 for her novel The Age of Innocence.
Wharton's writing often delved into the lives and struggles of the privileged elite, exposing the hypocrisies and constraints that governed their existence. Her works, including novels such as The House of Mirth, Ethan Frome, and The Custom of the Country, reveal her astute understanding of human nature, the complexities of relationships and the impact of social expectations on individuals.
Wharton's prose is characterized by its elegance, detailed description and attention to detail. She had a keen eye for the nuances of social interactions, often employing subtle gestures and dialogue to convey the tensions and subtleties of her characters' inner lives. Her writing showcased a deep understanding of the human psyche and the motivations that drive people's actions.
In addition to her literary contributions, Edith Wharton was also an influential figure in the realm of interior design and architecture. She was known for her refined taste and played an active role in the design and decoration of her homes. Wharton co-authored a book called The Decoration of Houses, which became a significant work in the field of interior design, emphasizing the importance of balance, proportion and harmony in creating aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Wharton's writings continue to captivate readers with their timeless themes and incisive social commentary. Her exploration of the complexities of human nature, the constraints of society and the tension between individual desires and societal expectations make her an enduring figure in American literature. Edith Wharton's legacy as a writer and tastemaker reflects her profound insights into the human condition and her ability to capture the nuances of a bygone era with remarkable clarity and insight.