3 Review(s)

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton is a haunting and tragic novella that explores the themes of isolation, duty, and forbidden love. Set in the bleak and harsh winter landscape of New England, the story follows Ethan Frome, a quiet, hardworking farmer who is trapped in a loveless marriage to his sickly wife, Zeena. His life is further complicated when he develops deep feelings for his wife’s cousin, Mattie Silver, who comes to live with the family to help care for Zeena. The emotional tension between Ethan and Mattie grows, but their love is stifled by the oppressive circumstances of their lives.Wharton masterfully conveys the emotional and physical constraints of the characters, depicting the crushing weight of societal expectations and personal sacrifice. Through the stark setting and the internal struggles of the characters, Ethan Frome explores the devastating effects of unfulfilled desires and the consequences of choices made under duress. The novella is a poignant commentary on the limitations of human ambition and the sacrifices that define the lives of those living in isolation.