We have read many exciting novels in English class this year, two of which are The Awakening by Kate Chopin and Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton. On the surface, these books might not seem to have much in common due to their different plots. However, there are some notable similarities between them; both protagonists of the novels, Edna Pontellier and Ethan Frome, fight a constant internal battle. They want things they can't have, and the potential serenity they aspire to goes against the principled norms of the time and would forever ruin their social reputation. Edna Pontellier is a normal wife and mother, but she wants much more. As a woman living in the late 1800s, she wants to be free to express herself however she wants, even if that includes pursuing her forbidden love, Robert. Likewise, Ethan Frome is a quiet man living in the early 1900s and feels besieged by Zeena, his ill and irritated wife. As the story progresses, he realizes that he is falling in love with Mattie Silver, the young, energetic girl who comes to live with the Fromes to take care of Zeena. The second notable similarity between the two novels is that both protagonists attempt suicide at the climax of the story. While Edna succeeds in her attempt, Ethan does not. As a result, he is forced to live the rest of his life in misery with Zeena and the consequences of his impulsive actions. Despite the different outcomes of each book, The Awakening and Ethan Frome are equally touching stories that show how many people from these time periods are conflicted between being who they want to be and being who society expects them to be. However, both stories show this differently; while Edna Pontellier reflects on what is g...... half of the work ......nter 1987): 304-312. Rpt. in twentieth-century literary criticism. Ed. Janet Witalec. vol. 138. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Literature Resource Center. Network. April 5, 2014. “The Progressive Era (1890-1920).” The Progressive Era (1890-1920). np and nd Web. 06 April 2014.Springer, Marlene. "Setting and Symbolism". Ethan Frome: a nightmare of necessity. New York: Twayne Publishers, 1993. 76-94. Rpt. in Criticism of short stories. Ed. Thomas J. Schoenberg and Lawrence J. Trudeau. vol. 84. Detroit: Gale, 2006. Literature Resource Center. Network. 11 April 2014. Pietra, Carole. “The Female Artist in Kate Chopin's The Awakening: Birth and Creativity.” Women's Studies 13 (1986): 23-32. Rpt. in twentieth-century literary criticism. Ed. Janet Witalec. vol. 127. Detroit: Gale, 2002. Literature Resource Center. Network. April 8, 2014.Wharton, Edith. Ethan Frome. New York: Scribner, 1939. Print.