Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton

This harsh story is set against an equally and appropriately harsh landscape—that of rural Massachusetts in the late-nineteenth century. As the novella begins, the unnamed narrator meets a striking figure whose appearance and limping gait attract his notice. As he gains the man's confidence, the narrator uncovers the painful and ironic story of the man, Ethan Frome, and hears his tale of misplaced loves and warped loyalties that have destroyed three lives.

Related Readings

"The Hill Wife" and "An Old Man's Winter Night"—poems by Robert Frost

"Stolen Day"—short story by Sherwood Anderson

"Fatal Coasting Accident"—newspaper article from The Berkshire Evening Eagle

"Snow"—poem by Naomi Shihab Nye

from Strong-Minded Women—first-hand accounts edited by Janet Horrowitz Murray

Study Guide (PDF)