It can be disputed that the setting in Ethan Frome is the most important character in the book. The setting is clear: a typical, snowy winter in Starkfield, Massachusetts. This is a place where it is winter for half of the year. The harsh weather wears away at the inhabitants and makes them as cold as the season itself. The name of the town can even be thought of as a simile for Ethan and Zeena's bitter and passionless marriage.

Because of the small population, each family owns quite a large piece of land. Neighbors are at least a mile away from each other. This perfectly displays Ethan's isolation from the rest of the world. Because of his lack of communication with others, Ethan does not develop the ability to express himself. This prevents him from telling Mattie how he feels about her until it's too late.

The...