Symbology in Ethan Frome
...aments of bronze." Wharton's contrast of lighting and darkness, bright and dull, beauty and ugliness is carried throughout Ehtan Frome. The choice of Starkfield shows the reader that the town and country are isolated and cold and, as we learn early on from the narrator, so are the people. "One would have supposed that such an atmosphere must quicken the emotions as well as the blood; but it seemed to produce no change except that of still retarding still more the sluggish pulse of Starkfield." Interestingly the names Wharton chose also reflected the contrast of the characters. Zeena or Zenobia was a queen of Sicily who rather took charge with domineering control during the Roman days. Likewise, Ethan's wife Zeena is th domineering influence. Thinking of Cleopatra as a Queen, the cat is a perfect extension. Frome is a condensed version of "frozen home." Likewise, Matty Silver is fine and bright. The choice of these nam...