Ethan Frome
by Edith Wharton
Ethan Frome is a tragic novel about the unrequited love between Ethan Frome and his wife's cousin, Mattie Silver.
This novel has elements in common with gothic fiction, realism, modernism, romance, and tragedy.
Source: Wharton, E. (1912). Ethan Frome. New York: Scribner's.
- Introduction
- The narrator tells of his first encounter with Ethan Frome in the town of Starkfield, Massachusetts. The narrator seeks information on the reclusive Frome.
- Chapter 1
- A younger Ethan Frome walks the streets of Starkfield stopping at a dance in the community church. Ethan quietly watches Mattie.
- Chapter 2
- Ethan approaches Mattie after the dance concludes.
- Chapter 3
- Ethan thinks about the previous evenings events. Zeena leaves for Bettsbridge.
- Chapter 4
- The circumstances of Ethan's marriage to Zeena are explained. With Zeena gone for the evening, Mattie prepares dinner for herself and Ethan.
- Chapter 5
- After dinner, Mattie and Ethan talk. Although she is absent, Zeena's presence is still felt in the house.
- Chapter 6
- Zeena's return fills Ethan with a sense of foreboding.
- Chapter 7
- Upon returning, Zeena gives Ethan some unsettling news concerning Mattie.
- Chapter 8
- Ethan is plagued with indecision and doubt.
- Chapter 9
- Ethan insists on taking Mattie to the station.