What does the pickle dish seem to symbolize in the novel?
The pickle-dish, Zeena’s favorite wedding present, is a symbol of Ethan and Zeena’s marriage. For this reason, its destruction is particularly devastating to Zeena. The red color of the dish can be interpreted as symbolizing the passion that the couple no longer share.
What made Ethan jealous?
Answer and Explanation: Ethan is jealous of Denis Eady as he is free to woo Mattie without hindrance. He becomes jealous when he sees Denis dancing with Mattie and later…
Is Ethan Frome based on a true story?
Wharton likely based the story of Ethan and Mattie’s sledding experience on an accident that she had heard about in 1904 in Lenox, Massachusetts. Five people total were involved in the real-life accident, four girls and one boy. It is among the few works by Wharton with a rural setting.
What happens to Mattie in Ethan Frome?
When Ethan takes Mattie to the train station (which they never reach), she declares her love for him and admits that she doesn’t think she can live without Ethan. Their aborted suicide attempt transforms Mattie forever. As a result of the accident, Mattie is paralyzed from the neck down.
Who is Mattie Silver and why is her presence so important?
Who is Mattie Silver and why is her presence so important to Ethan Frome? Mattie Silver is Zeena’s cousin who takes care of her. Her presence is important to Frome, because he likes her and she brings joy to him.
What old keepsake did Ethan stumble across that Zeena had once made for him?
When Ethan goes to his study and lays down on the sofa, a cushion that Zeena made for him — the only piece of needlework that Zeena had ever done — pokes him in the cheek.
Why did Mattie come to Starkfield?
Because family members lost money by trusting Mattie’s father with it, they punished Mattie by refusing to help her. Zeena needed household help because of her illness, so Mattie arrived in Starkfield to work for Zeena.
How are Ethan and Zeena Frome related?
Zeena is seven years older than Ethan. She married Ethan, at the age of 28 (seven years earlier), after the death of his mother.