a summery of Ethan Frome
Ethan Frome is a novel by Edith Wharton published in 1911. The story is set in the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts in the late 19th century. It follows the life of Ethan Frome, a poor and isolated farmer who is unhappily married to his sickly wife, Zeena.
The narrative begins with the arrival of a young, vivacious cousin of Zeena's, named Mattie Silver, who comes to live with the Fromes to assist with household chores. Ethan is immediately drawn to Mattie's vibrant personality and kind demeanor, and an unspoken attraction begins to develop between them.
As Ethan and Mattie spend more time together, their mutual feelings grow stronger. They find solace in each other's company, sharing moments of happiness and laughter. However, the constraints of their circumstances prevent them from openly expressing their love. Zeena, although often distant and invalid-like, becomes suspicious of their growing closeness.
The Winter Carnival provides an opportunity for Ethan and Mattie to spend some time together without arousing suspicion. With the weight of their feelings, they decide to commit a rash act of desperation to avoid being separated. They decide to commit suicide by sled riding into a massive elm tree, hoping to be united in death.
However, their reckless plan fails, and they both survive the accident but are left severely injured. The story flashes forward to the present, with a wheelchair-bound Ethan, Zeena, and a bitter and desperate Mattie, all living together in isolation and misery.
The novel is a study of the human condition, exploring themes of fate, duty, regret, and the consequences of forbidden love. It delves into the struggles of Ethan Frome, trapped in an unhappy marriage and unable to break free from the suffocating grip of a life he never desired. The story ends on a tragic note, highlighting the loneliness, loss, and imprisonment that result from choices made and circumstances dictated by society and one's own limitations.