Imagery And Symbolism In Ethan Frome By Edith Wharton

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Color, temperature, and season can mean a lot and show how setting reveals the importance about a character or the theme. In the novel titled Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, Edith Wharton uses symbolism as well as light and warmth imagery to show Ethans feelings toward Zeena and Mattie. Mattie is more of light and Zeena is more of a dark color, those two colors can mean a lot towards the characters personality. Edith uses a lot of temperature to describe Ethans moods. “... but through his tingling veins and tired brain only one sensation throbbed: the warmth of Matties shoulder against him.” This shows warmth by explaining how having Mattie next to him, he feels sorta of a connection or affection towards him and it makes him feel good about it knowing that there's someone special with him. “...sending its small rays across the landing, drew a scarcely perceptible line of light under his door.” The setting is described as a dark place with only a ray of light, just even with the tiniest detail, the readers can easily picture the image in their minds of what the setting might come to mind to others that read the quote. …show more content…

“It was warm and bright in the kitchen.” This shows how light was applied to describe the setting of the kitchen. The kitchen is the best feature of the house because that's where all the important things tend to happen. “For the first time they would be alone together indoors, and they would sit there, one on each side of the stove, like a married couple…” This quote shows how Ethan imagines himself with Mattie someday, both married. His attraction towards Mattie is strong, he is obviously always thinking about her and when he can get a chance to be with

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