In the book ‘Ethan Frome’ by Edith Wharton, Ethan is approximately 28 years old at the time the story unfolds. The novel, set in the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts, reveals Ethan’s struggles with life and his responsibilities, particularly towards his sickly wife Zeena.
Ethan’s age is significant as it highlights his position at a crossroads in life. He is still relatively young but has already been burdened with considerable hardships. His dreams and aspirations have been stifled by his circumstances, and this age also serves to underscore the themes of isolation and unfulfilled potential that permeate the narrative.