Symbolism in Ethan Frome
...o red is a highly contrasting color in a landscape full of white. White is a boring color and can symbolize Ethan’s life with Zeena. Red on the other hand stands out above white as does Mattie above Zeena in Ethan’s eyes. The pickle dish is something that symbolizes Ethan’s relationship with Zeena. The dish was Zeena’s favorite wedding gift. The breaking of the dish symbolized the breaking point of Ethan and Zeena’s relationship. Zeena’s mourning of the dish shows her anguish of her broken marriage.Ethan and Mattie were enjoying their dinner and alone time before the pickle dish was broken. After that Mattie was upset, she said “I’m the one to blame for its getting broken.” (Wharton, 65) which also states that Mattie is responsible for the broken relationship between Ethan and Zeena. The pickle dish breaking just brings them both back to the realization that Zeena still stands in their way of happiness. Sleds are usually happy and fun, but their tragic sled ride was all but that. Ethan’s decision to just let the sled coast and not take any control parallels Ethan’s attitude toward life. Ethan doesn’t make decisions he just goes with the flow. He allows others to make his decisions. His wish to be held by Mattie “because…because I want to feel you holding me.” (87) shows that he just wants to be cared for and have a warm loving relationship since he doesn’t have that now. Mattie’s wish for suicide looks nice to Ethan because if he goes with that he doesn’t have to face the consequences of his actions and it’s the easy way out. Ethan cant seem to get away from sickness. “Fust his father-then mother- then his wife.” (3) Zeena, a hypocho...