Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton :: Ethan Frome Essays

Ethan Frome Ethan Frome, a novel by Edith Wharton, is set in the stern Massachusetts town of Starkfield. Ethan Frome struggles to make a living as a farmer while his wife, Zeena, complains about her imaginary ailments. When Zeenas cousin, Mattie, comes to live with the couple, Ethan and Mattie better a growing friendship. This friendship arouses Zeenas jealousy and so she evicts Mattie from the house. Ethan becomes impetuous as he realizes he has fallen in love with Mattie. As they are about to part, in despair, they attempt to end heir lives. or else they are both left crippled and their original roles have changed for life. warmth for both, Ethan & Mattie and presiding over their wrecked lives, is Zeena. Edith Wharton emphasis her work with her individual style and technique. Wharton is truly microscopic in her prize of words and uses situation irony to tramp the reader. Wharton structures the novel in a very easy to follow mood by using chapters, cause & effect, relationships, and a great turning point. He setting & geography stay basic throughout the novel as it is winter is Starkfield. Individual happiness is a key element in the novel, while Ethan traps himself in the love he has achieved towards Mattie. Edith Wharton takes her novel beyond. Her extensive choice of words and variety of vocabulary make the novel more interesting. ...her squeeze relations to foist on him the cost of a servant and for the importation wrath predominated. (Wharton III). Whartons extensive vocabulary gives the reader a reason of intelligence from the narrator as well as a horse sense of a close to accurate imagination of Ethan Fromes life. Wharton develops slender emotions and detailed descriptions of Ethan which gives a strong impact to the reader. He was the most striking number in Starkfield, it was not so much his great height that attach him, it was the careless powerful look he had, in spite of a lameness checking each step like the jerk of a chain, on that point was something bleak and unapproachable in his face, and he was so stiffened and grizzled... (Wharton IIII) Wharton is very precise and to the point. Technique is a key element in the novel, as Wharton started hit in primary person describing her interests in Ethan Frome. While in first person Wharton shows curiosity along with interest.