PLOT+SUMMARY

Ethan Frome is a farmer near the harsh and unforgiving Massachusetts town of Starkfield. His despairing wife Zeena whines and complains about her imaginary illnesses. When Zeena's cousin, Mattie Silver, a sweet and cheerful young woman, comes to live with Ethan and his wife, the developing friendship between Ethan and Mattie brings about Zeena's Jealousy. Zeena soon orders Mattie to leave the house. Before they part, Ethan and Mattie take a sled ride down a big hill near town. Now aware of their feelings for each other, they decide to end their lives by crashing the sled. They are both left physically debiliated for life. At the end of the story, the original roles have reversed. Ethan is deformed and hopeless, and Mattie is helpless. Zeena cares for them both and presides over their ruined lives.

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