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Arthur Dimmesdale of Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter and Ethan Frome, the main character of Wharton's classic Ethan Frome, though separated by over a century of time, find themselves in remarkably similar situations--a bleak existence, punctuated only be intermittent glimpses into a life that might have been. However, a difference in character leads each to ultimately confront their respective situation in opposing ways. Ironically, the one seeking a new, clean life is met by death and the …

…after making a clean breast of things. It is a merciful death, sparing him from the townspeople's scornful reaction. In Ethan's case, he is forced to live when the only thing he desires is death. He is punished for his immorality and his indecisiveness. Although slightly different in morals and nature, both Arthur Dimmesdale and Ethan Frome get exactly what they deserve, even though what they receive is nothing like what they had wished for.