How look the town of Starkfield, Massachusetts at the beginning and in the late 1890s or early 1900s in Ethan Frome story?
In the novel "Ethan Frome" by Edith Wharton, Starkfield, Massachusetts is described as a small, rural town. At the beginning of the story, the town appears to be bleak and desolate. The winters in Starkfield are particularly harsh and long, leaving the town covered in snow and ice for most of the year. The landscape is described as barren and cold, contributing to the sense of isolation and melancholy that pervades the narrative.
The town itself comprises mostly old, weathered buildings with faded paint. The houses are plain and austere, reflecting the stoicism and endurance of the residents. The streets are often empty, and there is a sense of quiet stagnation. The people of Starkfield are portrayed as reserved and withdrawn, leading relatively monotonous lives.
However, as the story progresses and the flashback to the late 1890s unfolds, a small change is seen in Starkfield. The creation of a new power-loom factory brings a sense of vitality to the town. The previously empty streets become busy with workers commuting to and from the factory, injecting a brief moment of activity into the otherwise stagnant community. This newfound energy is short-lived, as a tragedy at the factory leads to its closure and the subsequent return to the desolate state seen at the beginning of the story.
Overall, the depiction of Starkfield in "Ethan Frome" reflects a sense of desolation, coldness, and monotony. The town serves as a reflection of the emotional and physical hardships faced by the characters, further highlighting the novel's themes of isolation and despair.