Symbolism In Wharton's Ethan Frome

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Pages: 2
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Bethany Blanton
Mrs. Sites
English 12A
Short Essays
1. Some ways that Wharton uses symbolism to reinforce plot development in Ethan Frome by using the red ribbon, the cat, the pickle dish and the sleigh ride. The red ribbon in the story is wore by Mattie Silver. In Starkfield Mattie stands out, she wears the red ribbon and red scarf, which is very noticeable in the little town; this symbolizes how Mattie stands out in Ethan’s life. The cat in the story represents the presence of Zeena in the house even though she is not there. When Zeena is off to see the doctor the cat takes her place in the chair and later ends up breaking the pickle dish, which symbolizes the breaking of the marriage bonds between Ethan and Zeena. As well as these symbols,
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