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

exceedingly common but widely accepted. However in the era of the late 1800s, and early 1900s, this seldom transpired. Instead a husband and wife would work their issues out one way or another, despite the circumstances. Therefore when Ethan envisions life with Mattie, while being a married man, the standards of society at the time opposes this.
In addition to the abstract idea of society, the physical civilization in which the characters live in also has an impact on Ethan.

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

Mattie.
The indoors and outdoors conjure up different feelings within Ethan. The “open irresponsible night” (Wharton 76) offers up feelings of recklessness. It allows Ethan an opportunity to forget about all his responsibilities, and marital obligations. For example, while alone with Mattie, Ethan recalls to himself that,”he had put his arm about Mattie, and she had not resisted.”, showing that the night not only helps him forget his duties, but also act on his feelings. (Wharton 76)
Contrasting with the audacious actions of the outdoors, the indoors bring a different component. Despite the fact that,”Zeena is physically absent, she haunts Mattie and Ethan….” (Lister) One night Mattie and Ethan find themselves alone when Zeena leaves to consult a new doctor. But they are constantly disturbed by Zeena’s presence. The rocking chair, Zeena’s normal sitting place, serves as a reminder of Zeena, and immediately brings tension into the room. In addition to the chair, the house cat also keeps watch over Ethan and Mattie; almost daring them to attempt something. Martial obligation quite literally walls Ethan in, and traps him. These reminders of his wife are enough to keep Ethan from acting on his impulses towards Mattie.
Edith Wharton used winter intentionally, instead of a warmer season. One of the old townspeople of Starkfield says that Ethan has “been in Starkfield too many winters,”. (Wharton 13) He suggests that when Starkfield becomes buried in snow Ethan’s emotions, dreams, and motivation are buried with the snow, destroyed by the,“long stretches of sunless cold.” (Wharton 15) This effect would not have been as prominent in a warmer season, such as summer. Summer represents new beginnings and opportunities, which would’ve been out of place for the desperate and raw feelings Ethan experienced.
Setting has a big impact on the storyline. Using setting as a practicality for example, acts as one way to use setting in a piece of literature. Few writers would write about a polar bear in a desert, it makes little sense. In addition to practicality a setting can be used to give the reader a particular feeling. In “Ethan Frome” the setting is used to mimic Ethan’s reckless feelings for Mattie through the harsh, and relentless winter. Setting is just as vital to the plot as the characters themselves, don’t neglect an aspect that can greatly impact the plot. If utilized correctly the setting can work to an author’s advantage. Dog is man’s best friend, and setting is a writer’s.