"Ethan Frome" by Edith Wharton is a tragic tale set in the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts. The story revolves around the eponymous character, Ethan Frome, who is trapped in an unhappy marriage to his sickly wife, Zeena. When Zeena's cousin, Mattie Silver, comes to stay with them, Ethan finds himself drawn to her youthful energy and vitality. As their feelings for each other grow, the two begin to fantasize about a life together. However, their plans are thwarted by the harsh reality of their circumstances and the conservative society they live in. Ultimately, Ethan and Mattie's desperation leads them to make a devastating decision that ends in tragedy, leaving them forever bound to their unhappy lives. The story explores themes of loneliness, isolation, fate, and the limitations imposed on individuals by societal norms.
