Ethan Frome, written by Edith Wharton, is a marvelous novel that contains countless numbers of themes that touch the lives of people even today. Set in the odd, gloomy, desolate town of Starkfield, Ethan Frome explains one's need for affection, and belonging in society, sometimes only brought about by tragedy. The themes of the novel solely surround the main characters of Ethan Frome, Zeena Frome (Ethan's wife), and Mattie Silver (a distant cousin of Zeena's). The themes also use a minor character by the name of Denis Eady. The most important theme in this novel deals with the emotional status of Ethan Frome. The appearance, character, and actions of Zeena Frome and Mattie Silver provide an emotional rock for Ethan to stand upon, as well as base his decisions upon.

In society, no matter what age or era of our world, appearance is everything. Appearance is like...