Ethan Frome

Ethan Frome, a struggling farmer in the bleak, snowbound Massachusetts town of Starkfield, is trapped in a loveless marriage with his sickly, hypochondriac wife, Zeena. His dreary existence is momentarily brightened by the arrival of Zeena's young, vivacious cousin, Mattie Silver, who comes to live with them as a helper. A mutual and forbidden attraction develops between Ethan and Mattie, becoming the only source of joy in Ethan's life. When Zeena, suspecting the growing bond, decides to send Mattie away and hire a new helper, Ethan is driven to despair. Desperate to prevent their separation, Ethan and Mattie make a pact to sled into a tree, choosing to die together rather than be parted. The resulting crash leaves both Ethan and Mattie severely injured. The story concludes years later with an ironic twist: Mattie is paralyzed and now lives permanently with the Fromes, with Zeena acting as her bitter caregiver, trapping all three in a perpetual state of misery.

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