dowing.In conclusion, most critics concur on the fact that Ethan Frome is one of EdithWhartons greatest novels and also the most deviant from her usual style. Instead ofconcentrating on the hardships of women in the upper class society of New York,Wharton explores the new, uncharted territory of New England. Ethan Frome is a storyof two star crossed lovers, not unlike Romeo and Juliet, whose family situation will notallow them to be together. Wharton probes the questions of rectitude and morality in thisnovel and forces the characters as well as the reader to make a choice between loyalty andtrue love. In an effort to escape this difficult choice, Ethans choice is made for him andhe is forced to live on enduring pain and misery....
