page
number
1
Symbols in Ethan Frome
Ethan Frome is loaded with different symbols. Using the chart below, find the object on the page indicated. Then write down the quote which goes
with it and try to think about what the object symbolizes.
object
quote
what it symbolizes
the gash on Ethan’s face
15
cherry-coloured fascinator (scarf)
26, 42-43
the gravestones
27
the dead cucumber vines
44
Mattie’s hair ribbon
49
Mattie’s cheeks
45-46, 70
the broken pickle dish
52
the fire
What comment can you make about the symbols of death in the novel? What does this show?
What can associations do you make with the color red? Why do you think Wharton used red so much in the novel?
Wharton uses not only red, but other colors in her novel. Look at the following quotes to describe the two main women in the story. How do the
colors used reflect their personalities?
bottom of p27-28: “Agaist the dark background…crimping pins.”
bottom of p43-44 :“She stood just as Zeena had stood, …crimson ribbon.”