Ethan Frome

First published in 1911, Ethan Frome is set in the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts. A visiting engineer tells the story of his encounter with Ethan Frome, the most striking figure in Starkfield.
In Chapter I, Ethan is waiting outside a church dance for Mattie, his wife’s cousin, who has for a year lived with them. Mattie is given the night off to entertain herself as a recompense for helping care for the Fromes. It is quickly clear that Ethan has deeper feelings for Mattie...