Ethan Frome

The novel explores a tragic love triangle in early 20th-century New England, focusing on Ethan Frome's internal struggle between duty and desire. Bound by societal expectations, he remains in a loveless marriage with his wife while harboring feelings for their housekeeper. The narrative unfolds with increasing tension, culminating in a dramatic and ironic conclusion, showcasing Edith Wharton's skill in portraying complex emotional landscapes and the constraints of social conventions.