Saturday, August 21, 2010

Pages 1-10:


Starkfield is a small, dull, unanimated New England town. When the narrarator of the story recalls his first look at Ethan Frome, a lifelong native of Starkfield, the story begins. Upon first seeing Ethan the narrarator describes him as having a "careless powerful look" (Ethan Frome 3), he says "there was something bleak and unapproachable in his face, and he was so stiffened and grizzled that I took him for an old man" (Ethan Frome 3). These quotes help to give the reader a clear image to picture Ethan. The narrarator is curious about Ethan, and asks casually asks around town if anyone knows his history. As daily life proceeds the narrarator is soon in need of transportation to a local train station, and one of the locals says that Ethan would be happy to help for a low price. So Ethan chaufers the narrarator back and fourth from the train station. The two share very little conversation throughout the weeks as Ethan continues to drive the narrarator to and fro. One day there is a big snow storm, and the narrarator fears he will not be able to get to the train station, however Ethan hitches up his horse and, determined to fulfil his duty as chafeur, he rides ten miles on horseback to the narrator to the train station.

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