Ethan Frome is a novel written by Edith Wharton that tells the tragic story of Ethan Frome, a man trapped in a loveless marriage and struggling to break free from the constraints of his bleak existence.
Set in the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts, the novel follows Ethan, a farmer who is married to Zeena, a sickly and demanding woman who constantly complains and makes his life miserable. When Zeena's young cousin, Mattie Silver, comes to live with them, Ethan finds himself drawn to her youthful energy and optimism. As their feelings for each other deepen, Ethan and Mattie are faced with a difficult decision that will change their lives forever.
Wharton's writing is evocative and atmospheric, painting a bleak and desolate picture of rural New England in the late 19th century. The characters are well-developed and complex, with Ethan's inner turmoil and sense of duty conflicting with his desire for happiness and freedom.
The novel's tragic ending is both heartbreaking and inevitable, as Ethan and Mattie's attempts to escape their circumstances ultimately lead to disaster. Wharton skillfully captures the sense of hopelessness and despair that pervades Ethan's life, making the reader empathize with his plight.
Overall, Ethan Frome is a powerful and haunting novel that explores themes of loneliness, duty, and sacrifice. Wharton's masterful storytelling and vivid imagery make it a compelling read that will stay with you long after you've finished the book.