Ethan Frome is a novel written by Edith Wharton, first published in 1911. The story is set in the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts, in the late 19th century, and follows the life of the titular character, Ethan Frome, who is trapped in a loveless marriage to his sickly wife, Zeena.
Ethan is a disillusioned and unhappy man who is unable to escape his dreary life in Starkfield. He is stuck working as a farmer on his own land, struggling to make ends meet while also caring for his invalid wife. Despite his desire to break free from his mundane existence, Ethan is unable to find the courage to do so, as he is weighed down by his responsibilities and feelings of guilt.
The story takes a turn when Ethan meets Mattie Silver, a young and vivacious cousin of Zeena's who comes to live with the Fromes to help care for Zeena. Mattie brings a sense of hope and joy into Ethan's life, and the two develop strong feelings for each other. However, their relationship is doomed from the start, as societal conventions and Ethan's sense of duty prevent them from being together.
In the end, Ethan and Mattie make a desperate attempt to escape their circumstances by running away together, but their plans are thwarted by a tragic accident. The novel ends with Ethan and Mattie both severely injured and unable to leave Starkfield, forever trapped in their unhappy lives.
Ethan Frome is a poignant and poignant tale of unfulfilled love, regret, and the limitations of society. It serves as a commentary on the restrictions placed on individuals, particularly women, and the consequences of not being able to follow one's heart.