Since its first publication in 1995, JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings has been arguably the greatest fantasy epic ever written. Taking up the classic theme of "good versus evil", as well as its various subplots and well-developed characters; the depth and rich details of the novel make it a timeless work of literature. However, the real success of the story lies in its exemplary balance between realism and fantasy. To achieve this dimension, Tolkien structures his novel through a narrative framework: a story within a story in which the narrator provides both context and a history of the inner narrative. In the prologue to The Lord of the Rings, a historical framework is developed when Tolkien discusses the "Red Book of Westmarch", a theoretical and encompassing framework for all the stories of Middle-earth, including The Lord of the Rings. This putative external setting, which is intended to be Tolkien's source of narration, is imperative to the novel's success and acclaim. It represents Middle-earth's greater realities, multilateral perspectives and adds a lot of depth to its already complex fantasies. Through the use of this device, readers can relate to such an imaginative world. Similarly, in Edith Wharton's highly acclaimed novel, Ethan Frome, a narrative frame is also used in order to add depth and realism. Wharton wrote the prologue and epilogue to form an overall framework around the tragic story of Ethan Frome. She uses this structure to relay Ethan's complicated and plaintive life, while also influencing the realism and societal backlash that Ethan, Mattie, and Zeena suffer. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"? Get an original essay The structure of the frame, illustrated by the narrator in the prologue, is used as an intermediary to create the slightest uncertainty, while adding dimension to the storytelling technique. Dimension and uncertainty are the building blocks of any real world and Wharton uses these elements in order to avoid utopian implications on his image. Through the use of the frame story and narrator in the prologue, Wharton is able to introduce realism to his readers, which not only adds to his rhetoric, but also asserts a strong author-reader relationship. The unknown narrator first meets Ethan Frome at the local Starkfield post office and is instantly intrigued by his appearance. The narrator remembers: “I saw him for the first time; and this view pulled me up. (Wharton 3). The narrator's curiosity here parallels that of the reader. The element of uncertainty and dimension observed in the narrator's development results in the reader's curiosity. Through this tactical use of a narrative framework, Wharton is able to modernize the reader into Frome's journey. The structure of the frame allows Wharton to prove his intentions of a realistic image through construction and attention to "minor details." (Wharton XVIII). She understands that the two most fundamental elements of her picture are "the deep-rooted reluctance and lack of expression of the people" (Wharton XVIII) and "the 'roundness' effect" (Wharton XVIII). Much like uncertainty and dimension, these elements also convey realism and are prevalent throughout the setting. Mattie Silver is a dynamic and rounded character, she is extremely realistic and gains in complexity alongside Ethan Frome. On the other hand, Ethan Frome's calm nature represents Wharton's reluctant intentions. The combination of narrative framework,.