Typically one of the subtlest parts of a novel, the setting usually serves as a framework that supports the plot and characters. In Ethan Frome, however, Edith Wharton reinvents the use of setting as an integral element of the story. He intertwines the physical aspects of weather and landscape so closely with the characters' inner feelings that the two become almost interchangeable. The prominence of bleak winter weather in Ethan Frome demonstrates Wharton's unique way of telling stories and allows her to develop deeply complex characters. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay An anonymous visitor to the town of Starkfield narrates the preface and introduces the reader to Ethan Frome, the main character of the novel. He describes his curiosity at seeing the taciturn and mysterious man, and decides to find out what happened to turn "Starkfield's most striking figure" into "a man's downfall" (3). From his first meeting with Ethan, the narrator sees him through close parallels to winter weather. The narrator employs Ethan to sleigh him across town every day to do business and observes the strange man's behavior as he navigates the frozen terrain: "[Ethan] seemed a part of the silent, melancholy landscape, an embodiment of its frozen sorrow. . " (14). As the narrator continues to try to piece together information, he shares a casual but telling observation from a citizen: “I guess [Ethan] has been in Starkfield too many winters” (7). This comment, along with Ethan's other descriptions in the introduction, forms the basis for Wharton's use of the setting as a metaphor for the character's internal struggles. The main conflict in Ethan Frome is revealed during Ethan's two-mile journey through the snowy hills. to escort his housekeeper, Mattie, home from a dance. Ethan's romantic feelings for Mattie are revealed in the first chapter; although Ethan is married, his wife's illness and general unpleasantness cause Ethan to see her more as an obstacle between him and the beautiful, carefree Mattie than as a beloved wife. Wharton illustrates the contrast in Ethan's feelings towards the two women largely through references to the setting. As Ethan returns home with his granddaughter, the narrator reveals Ethan's great appreciation for natural beauty. Mattie seems to turn on his senses: There were other sensations, less definable but more exquisite, that brought [Ethan and Mattie] together in a shock of silent joy: the cold red of the sunset behind the winter hills, the flight of flocks of clouds on golden stubble slopes, or the intensely blue shadows of hemlocks on sunlit snow (34). The powerful imagery in this passage reflects Ethan's passionate feelings toward Mattie; he sees her as a pure spark of youth, full of promise and beauty. His lust for her spreads from his mind to color his surroundings. As soon as the two return home, however, the mood changes drastically. Zeena, Ethan's wife, greets them at the door, looking bony and witch-like under the shade. Ethan and Mattie enter the house, which has "the deadly chill of a crypt after the dry cold of the night" (53). Zeena's last words to her husband before retiring for the night seal the polarization between her and her niece: "You could shake off that snow outside" (53). With this casual comment, Zeena quickly kills the magic of the night; he is unable to recognize the snow as a beautiful thing and instead sees it as a nuisance. In addition to relating time to the characters' moods, Wharton brings metaphor.