Ethan Frome Setting Analysis

The setting of Starkfield, Massachusetts in the novel “Ethan Frome” has a direct bearing on Ethan’s actions and feelings. The reader follows main character Ethan Frome through the past, vicariously experiencing his hidden desire: to be with Mattie Silver. However a substantial obstacle in the way is his wife, Zeena, who additionally is Mattie's cousin. Other impediments that aren’t as self-evident include society, and Ethan’s inner morality.
The society of Starkfield prompts Ethan farther away from Mattie. A rarity in the town, Mattie,”...is a perfectly imagined object of Ethan's confused desires. She dances gaily in the church basement, wears red scarves.....and walks with a light step." (Eggenschwiler) She contrasts vastly with Ethan’s decrepit wife. Furthermore, what draws Ethan away from Mattie is not stated plainly in the text. But the reader discerns an underlying feeling of immorality as they witness the scandal of Mattie and Ethan’s growing relationship. This feeling is experienced due to the influence society has. In modern culture, married couples that divorce, are not only

Starkfield is the only place Ethan has known in his lifetime, which can be inferred due to the gravestones of numerous ancestors sitting outside his family home. At the beginning of the story the gravestones badger Ethan. They served as a constant reminder to his restless mind that his ancestors never made it out of Starkfield, and he wouldn’t either. But as the novel progresses,”....all desire for change had vanished, and the sight of the little enclosure gave him a warm sense of continuance and stability.” (Wharton 26) In addition Ethan has maintained an admirable reputation among the townspeople. Forsaking that respect would end in one result; moving out of the only home he’s known. Ergo the knowledge of this subconsciously pushes him away from