Set against the backdrop of 19th-century New York society, Edith Wharton's "Ethan Frome" explores themes of social constraints and personal desire. Inspired by her summers in Lenox, Massachusetts, Wharton reflects on the dramatic changes in American society from the Civil War to World War II. This systematic introduction delves into the novel's key elements, providing insights into Wharton's experiences and the societal transformations that influenced her writing, making it a significant work for study at various educational levels.
