Ethan Frome

Ethan Frome, the title character of Edith Wharton's novel, is a man trapped in a bleak, unfulfilling life in a small New England town. Married to a sickly wife, Zeena, he longs for love and happiness but faces social and personal constraints. His deepening feelings for Zeena’s cousin, Mattie, set off a series of tragic events. Ethan’s internal struggles symbolize themes of repression, obligation, and the destructive power of unfulfilled desires. The story highlights how circumstances and choices can lead to tragic outcomes, illustrating the bleakness of unchangeable destiny.