- Dead Cucumber Vines, Crepe Streamers, and Other Symbols of Death. Ethan Frome is loaded with symbols of death. …
- The Color Red. The red pickle dish isn’t only a symbol of shattering and death. …
- The Church Basement and the Frome Home. …
- The Farm, The Sawmill, and the Railroad.
What does red symbolize in Ethan Frome?
Red is the
color of blood, ruddiness, good health, and vitality
, all of which Mattie has in abundance, and all of which Zeena lacks. In the oppressive white landscape of Starkfield, red stands out, just as Mattie stands out in the oppressive landscape of Ethan’s life.
What does the gold locket symbolize in Ethan Frome?
The lost gold locket represents
the beginning of a new relationship between Mattie and Ethan
. When Mattie lost hope of finding her locket, Ethan was able to bring it back. The gold locket can also symbolize Mattie’s heart. Zeena, along with many others, expect Mattie to get married with Denis Eady.
What do the gravestones symbolize in Ethan Frome?
The gravestones are
for Ethan’s dead family
. … Ethan has wanted to escape Starkfield his entire life, and the gravestones are mentioned many times throughout the novel as a reminder that fate is inevitable and his life was already chosen for him.
What are symbols in Ethan Frome?
- Dead Cucumber Vines, Crepe Streamers, and Other Symbols of Death. Ethan Frome is loaded with symbols of death. …
- The Color Red. The red pickle dish isn’t only a symbol of shattering and death. …
- The Church Basement and the Frome Home. …
- The Farm, The Sawmill, and the Railroad.
Who broke the pickle dish in Ethan Frome?
Mattie
is partially responsible for the breaking of both the pickle dish and the marriage, having handled them carelessly, and Ethan cowardly hides the broken state of each. Significantly, though, it was the cat that actually destroyed the dish.
Why does Ethan believe Zeena is jealous of Mattie?
He thought that someone had broken into the house. What reason does Zeena give for locking Ethan and Mattie out? … He liked the thought of he and mattie being together. At
first he was concerned about the money but then liked the idea of being alone with Mattie for an evening
.
What does winter symbolize in Ethan Frome?
Winter is also symbolic of
the isolation, loneliness, and immobility that Ethan experiences
. The name of the town, Starkfield, symbolizes the devastating and isolating effects of the harsh winters on the land and the men who work the land.
What does Ethan lie about?
At the last minute, in order to buy more time with Mattie, Ethan lies to Zeena—he says
he needs to collect payment for the delivery of lumber from his mill
to Andrew Hale, a builder in Starkfield, and that therefore Jotham Powell, the hired man, will have to take Zeena to the train.
What are the themes of Ethan Frome?
Major themes in Ethan Frome include
silence, isolation, illusion, and the consequences
that are the result of living according to the rules of society. Wharton relies on personal experiences to relate her thematic messages.
What does the pickle-dish seem to symbolize in the novel?
The pickle-dish, Zeena’s favorite wedding present, is a symbol of
Ethan and Zeena’s marriage
. For this reason, its destruction is particularly devastating to Zeena. The red color of the dish can be interpreted as symbolizing the passion that the couple no longer share.
What does Zeena accuse Mattie of stealing?
Zeena eats hungrily and offers Jotham seconds, though ordinarily she ignores him. She also accuses Mattie of
stealing various items
. After dinner, Mattie washes the dishes. Zeena’s kindness to Jotham makes her rudeness to Mattie even more vicious.
How does the cat remind Ethan and Mattie of Zeena?
Mattie clears the table and they sit down near the fire. Mattie and Ethan talk comfortably with each other while Mattie sews.
When the cat jumps from Zeena’s chair
, they are reminded of Zeena’s return. They take care of their nightly chores and go to bed.
What is the foreshadowing of Ethan Frome?
falling action Ethan and Mattie regain consciousness after crashing into the elm; Zeena takes both of them in and cares for them into old age. foreshadowing
The repeated references to sledding
, and to the dangers associated with it, foreshadow the climactic scene in which Ethan and Mattie crash into the elm.
What does Shadow Pond symbolize in Ethan Frome?
As Mattie and Ethan begin their ride, Ethan feels almost happy. He takes a route that leads them to Shadow Pond. The name “Shadow” is suggestive of the memories that Ethan and Mattie have of the spot; as well, it connotes
the inability that Mattie and Ethan have of really communicating their feelings to each other
.
What does the dead cucumber vine represent?
As Ethan and Mattie near the farmhouse, Ethan sees the dead cucumber vine that reminds
him of a funeral crape
. He half wishes it were there for Zeena: Ethan subconsciously wishes she were dead. He has the same thought when he cannot find the back-door key and thinks that tramps might have broken into the house.
