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Symbolism in Ethan Frome The novel Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton, uses symbolism to reveal hidden ideas and gives a deeper meaning to the novel. Symbolism is an object, sign, or image that is used to stand for something else. The symbol has both literal significance and additional abstract meaning. Throughout the novel, Ethan Frome, the main character, suffers from isolation and loneliness. He is a man who is trapped in Starkfield because of his …

…outdoors, the kitchen, and the red pickle dish. The outdoors symbolizes the coldness and loneliness of Ethan Frome because of the lack of communication between Zeena and him. The kitchen symbolizes both the nightmare and the liveliness of each character. The red pickle dish symbolizes the forbidden love of Ethan and Mattie because of Ethan's responsibility to Zeena. Edith Wharton's use of symbolism gives the novel a deeper understanding to all of the characters' thoughts.