Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

Introduction

“Ethan Frome” is a classic novel written by Edith Wharton, first published in 1911. The novel is set in the fictitious town of Starkfield, Massachusetts, where the harsh winter landscape mirrors the bleak and desolate lives of the characters. The story revolves around Ethan Frome, a man trapped in a loveless marriage, who finds himself drawn to his wife’s cousin, Mattie Silver. The novel is a poignant exploration of human emotions, societal norms, and the tragic consequences of forbidden love.

Review

“Ethan Frome” is a beautifully crafted novel that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of duty, desire, and the devastating effects of isolation. The story is narrated by an unnamed engineer who visits Starkfield and becomes intrigued by Ethan Frome, a man whose life has been marked by tragedy. As the engineer learns more about Ethan’s past, we are drawn into a world of despair, longing, and unfulfilled dreams.

The novel’s strength lies in its vivid descriptions and the depth of its characters. Wharton’s portrayal of the harsh New England winter is so powerful that the cold almost becomes a character in itself, reflecting the emotional chill that pervades Ethan’s life. The characters are complex and well-developed, with Ethan, his wife Zeena, and Mattie each representing different aspects of human nature and societal expectations.

Ethan is a tragic figure, a man of dreams and desires who is trapped by his circumstances. His wife Zeena, a hypochondriac, represents the stifling societal norms and expectations that Ethan feels bound by. Mattie, with her youth and vitality, symbolizes the life Ethan longs for but can never have. The dynamic between these three characters forms the crux of the novel, leading to a climax that is both shocking and inevitable.

Analysis

“Ethan Frome” is a novel that explores the themes of duty, desire, and the consequences of breaking societal norms. Ethan’s struggle between his duty to his wife and his desire for Mattie forms the central conflict of the novel. His inability to break free from his circumstances and pursue his desires leads to tragic consequences, highlighting the destructive effects of societal constraints and isolation.

The novel also explores the theme of isolation, both physical and emotional. The harsh winter landscape of Starkfield serves as a metaphor for the isolation felt by the characters. Ethan, Zeena, and Mattie are all trapped in their own ways, unable to escape their circumstances or express their true feelings. This isolation leads to a sense of despair and hopelessness that permeates the novel.

Wharton’s use of symbolism further enhances the themes of the novel. The broken pickle dish, for example, symbolizes Ethan and Zeena’s shattered marriage, while the sledding accident represents the destructive consequences of Ethan’s attempt to escape his life.

About the Author

Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was a Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, short story writer, and designer. Born into a wealthy New York family, Wharton used her experiences and observations of high society to create richly detailed and critically acclaimed novels. Her works often explore themes of societal norms, morality, and the human capacity for desire and regret.

Wharton’s writing style is characterized by her keen observational skills, her ability to create complex characters, and her use of symbolism to enhance her themes. In addition to “Ethan Frome,” her notable works include “The House of Mirth,” “The Age of Innocence,” and “The Custom of the Country.”

Despite the constraints of her time, Wharton broke barriers as a woman writer and remains one of the most respected and influential authors in American literature. Her exploration of human emotions, societal norms, and the consequences of our actions continues to resonate with readers today, making “Ethan Frome” a timeless classic.