One of Edith Wharton’s few works of fiction that takes place outside of an urban, upper-class setting, Ethan Frome draws upon the bleak, barren landscape of rural New England. Ethan remains torn between his sense of obligation and his urge to satisfy his heart's desire up to the suspenseful and unanticipated conclusion. ( Penguin Group edition.) Tragically, their love is doomed by Zeena's ever-lurking presence and by the social conventions of the day. They fall desperately in love as he realizes how much is missing from his life and marriage. When Zeena's young cousin Mattie arrives to help care for her, Ethan is immediately taken by Mattie's warm, vivacious personality. His ambition and intelligence are oppressed by Zeena's cold, conniving character. Ethan Frome, a poor, downtrodden New England farmer is trapped in a loveless marriage to his invalid wife, Zeena.
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