Ethan Frome Setting Analysis

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In the novel, Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton uses the country setting of Starkfield. The name “Starkfield” gives the reader a cold, hard impression of the snowy New England setting. Wharton conveys Starkfield as a place of primitivism and ignorance because of its isolation and bitterly cold climate. Ethan Frome, the protagonist, is a subject to his environment as he lives a cold, cyclic life. However, Ethan isn’t the only one who is affected by his environment, as Zeena and Mattie also live in bitterness and depression. The country setting of Starkfield determines the lifestyle and fate of its inhabitants. Starkfield is a venue of primitivism and ignorance due to its long, harsh winters. Starkfield is a rural town in New England. Its snowy climate …show more content…
Ethan Frome is no exception to this belief. After the death of Ethan’s parents, he married Zeena and he took over the family farm. Ethan’s home in Starkfield is isolated, just like his personality. Ethan is a very reserved man, who hardly ever talks. Life for the residents of Starkfield is very somber and depressing. Even worse for Ethan, he did not marry someone he truly loves. He felt obligated to marry Zeena after she helped care for his mother. Not only does he not truly love her, but Zeena seems to be very sick all the time and Ethan is forced to take care of her. Not only does he have to be by her side most the day, but he has to pay for her medicines and treatments as well. This adds on to Ethan’s depressing life. With the responsibilities of the farm and taking care of Zeena, Ethan doesn’t have any time for himself or his interests. Essentially, life in Starkfield will extinguish your hopes and dreams. This God-forsaken town took its toll on Ethan which led to his desperate decision on one cold day in Starkfield. Ethan attempted suicide by riding his sled into a big oak tree. However, he is hesitant and steers away at the last second. This leaves him and someone he loves, Mattie, injured. Now, he and Mattie have to live the same cold and depressing life but with bad injuries. Living in Starkfield really shaped Ethan’s lifestyle and who he

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