Literary Criticism Response

Helen Killoran’s “Ethan Frome – The Murder of a Masterpiece” explores the different phases of criticism and praise that the novel Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton has received since it was first published in 1911. The author’s purpose for writing the essay is to demonstrate how the interpretation of the novel has changed over time depending on the different viewpoints from which the novel received. To accomplish this, the author explores the criticism that has accompanied each area of reception. While the earliest reviewers looked at the novel as a Greek tragedy, people have looked at it differently depending on the time period. During hard economic times such as the Great Depression, many saw it as a commentary against the viciousness of poverty. They criticized Wharton for the way she portrayed the poor and have claimed that Wharton, an upper-class woman, could not relate to the characters in the story. Throughout times when society was more concerned with religion, the critics were more concerned with the spiritual value of the novel. Some called it a sin for readers to enjoy such a painful novel while others attacked Wharton, claiming that author is responsible for the needless suffering of her characters. Others have looked at Ethan Frome as an extension of Wharton’s own life. They have seen the writing style of the novel as an expression of Edith Wharton’s relationship with Henry James and have seen the protagonist and the situations he encounters as a reflection of Wharton’s own troubles. In chronologically exploring the commentary on the novel, the author presents her argument very well. In addition to explaining each category of criticism and the viewpoint it came from, she also includes examples of how some have countered each argument. She also incorporates both positive and negative responses to the novel, as well as direct quotes from the essays she refers to and direct quotes from Edith Wharton refuting her critics. In doing so, the author of the essay gives a very wholistic view of the criticism and praise that the novel has received and how it has changed over time. I agree with author of the essay that the reception of Ethan Frome has gone through different phases of criticism. Each person who reads the novel is going to interpret it in a different way, depending on their own experiences and what they enjoy in a work of literature. Upon reading the essay, I was very surprised to learn what harsh criticism the novel has received. It was more than people just didn’t like the novel, but many were absolutely outraged by it. In the directly quoted selections that the author provided, many wrote as if they were personally offended by the novel. Today, books are mostly criticized for their sexual content and harsh language for fear of "corrupting our youth." So, it's surprising that a novel such as Ethan Frome – which I see as a cautionary tale more than anything – was criticized because, basically, it was sad. It’s amazing how words on a piece of paper can cause such uproar when put into a certain order.