Ethan Frome- symbolism

            In the novel, Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton uses setting as a symbol. A symbol is something, which represents or suggests a relationship or association. Throughout the novel, the setting represents both the character's moods, and the characters themselves. .
             Setting is constantly used to describe Mattie. Mattie is, quite often, compared to spring, a symbol of life. Mattie comes to Starkfield in the springtime. When she comes, she becomes Ethan's reason for living. She is really the only life in the household, because Zeena is sick, and Ethan is unhappy. Mattie is also described with the color red. She has a red scarf, red ribbon in her hair, a red bedspread, and red lips and cheeks. The color red is symbolic of life and love, as Ethan falls in love with Mattie.
             When Ethan is with Mattie, the setting seems to go from gray and sorrowful to bright and lively. "The early midst had vanished and the fields lay like a silver shield under the sun. It was one of those days when the glitter of winter shines through a pale haze of spring. Every yard of the road was alive with Mattie's presence" (Wharton 59). This quote represents Ethan's sadness turning into happiness as soon as he thinks of Mattie.
             Winter is also a symbol throughout the novel. Winter is used to represent death. Ethan is frequently approached in the cold setting where something bad always happens. For instance, if Ethan's mother hadn't died in the winter, he would not have been compelled to marry Zeena. This is a perfect example of a negative effect that the cold and winter has on Ethan. .