The Importance Of Setting In Wharton's Ethan Frome

Significance of Setting in Ethan Frome In the novel Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, the setting plays a significant role in many facets including the plot, the decisions of the characters, and the development of the overall atmosphere. The setting of the novel, Starkfield, is a cold, lifeless place with long winters that often make the townspeople downhearted. The town’s six month winters cause the people to stay indoors and keep to themselves. The long, bleak winters also have a remarkable effect on the decisions that the character’s make. As a result of this, Starkfield can be debated as the antagonist of the book. Winter is a stifling force in which the characters of Starkfield become emotionally buried beneath the extensive frigid climate. …show more content…
As a result of being in Starkfield too many winters, Ethan becomes frozen in the landscape. In the prologue, Harmon Gow insists that Ethan’s depression is the consequence for staying in Starkfield for too many winters. “Guess he’s been in Starkfield too many winters. Most of the smart ones get away.” (Wharton 6) The reason that Ethan is unable to flee the dreary small town is because he feels morally obligated to continue to help his family members in need. Starkfield’s somber winters cause Ethan to be isolated from the rest of the world and to be a very taciturn man. The lonely, isolated setting causes Ethan to marry Zeena for company following the death of his mother. His decision to marry the querulous Zeena leads to a miserable life and ultimately to his tragic death. Winter plays a remarkable role in prompting Ethan’s isolation, lifelessness, and depression. The setting of Starkfield largely impacts Ethan’s personality and the decisions that he makes that lead to the final outcome of the