The novels Ethan Frome and Catcher in the Rye by Edith Wharton and J D Salinger respectively are two great works that depict two characters struggles in life Three themes that both novels share are the need for companionship regret over lost potential and immersion in a fantasy world Ethan Frome and Holden Caulfield are both very lonely characters in desperate need for companionship and compassion They both search for human contact of sorts to prevent the onset of loneliness Frome marries Zenob