Ethan Frome is a novel by Edith Wharton, first published in 1911. It tells the story of a poor farmer, Ethan Frome, and his wife, Zeena, living in a small New England town. Ethan is a hardworking man, but his life is filled with sadness and despair. He is trapped in a loveless marriage to Zeena, a woman who is constantly ill and demanding. When a young woman, Mattie Silver, comes to stay with them, Ethan finds himself drawn to her. Ethan and Mattie's relationship grows, and they eventually plan to run away together. However, their plans are thwarted when Zeena discovers their secret. In a desperate attempt to escape his unhappy life, Ethan and Mattie decide to commit suicide together. The novel ends with a tragic outcome, as Ethan and Mattie's plan fails and they are left to suffer the consequences of their actions. The novel is a powerful exploration of the human capacity for love and despair, and the consequences of making choices in life.
By Edith Wharton · First published 1911 · Genre: Realistic Fiction, Romance, Tragedy · 10 chapters