... Ethan Frome. There are a few symbols in Ethan Frome, which directly relate to the belief of blindness and its' invisible presence it faces towards other aspects of the novels. The cat, which first breaks Zeena's pickle dish and then sits on her chair causes an "invisible presence". This "invisible presence" is thought to be a force that comes ... between Mattie and Ethan and reminds them of his wife's existence. The actions of this cat can be interpreted as blindness and not being able to recognize the larger aspect of life. This acting force also plays a major role within the novel, ca...

• Word Count: 1398
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... giving life to "the fields", indicating Ethan. Fields are a suitable symbol of Ethan because of his close relationship with his natural surroundings on the farm. Zeena's "evil presence" of the black and brittle trees are her part in this natural scene. Wharton also pays particular attention to the positioning of these elements as Mattie and Ethan are behind Zeena's power, unsurprisingly ... . This leads to further evidence possibly illustrating Zeena's presence and therefore the constant obstruction surrounding the forbidden love. In Zeena's absence, "the cat" which "jumped between them ...

• Word Count: 1858
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: Undergraduate