Ethan Frome Essay

Sammi Chang
Heuerman
Advanced Comp and Nov.
25 February 2014
Symbolism in Ethan Frome Throughout the Victorian Era, society was sexually repressed so much so, mention of the word “leg” was frowned upon. Many people ensnared in sexually unsatisfying marriages had few options; divorce was rare and also socially frowned upon. Edith Wharton had found herself in a similar situation of an unsatisfying marriage, but divorced her husband in the early 1900’s when divorce became more accepted. Drawing from experience, Wharton wrote the novel Ethan Frome, which stresses the theme of sexual repression and emotional void in poor relationships through the symbolism of a cushion, the kitchen, and a pickle dish. Wharton’s use of a cushion helps to depict Ethan Frome’s relationship to his wife, Zeena, over time. When Ethan goes down to his study after a very eventful night in the Frome household, Wharton describes how Ethan rests his head upon “…a cushion which Zeena had made for him when they were engaged” (96). This cushion illustrates how the beginning of the marriage was loving, as Zeena took time and effort to make the cushion for Ethan as an act of endearment. After about a year of their marriage however, “[Zeena] too fell silent” (53). The silence between Ethan and Zeena drove them apart. As Ethan now rests his head upon the cushion, Wharton describes it as “… a hard object with strange protuberances” (96). Over time, the cushion and their marriage have hardened due to the silence, creating the emotional void in their marriage. Similar to the cushion, Wharton also uses the kitchen as a symbol of Ethan and Zeena’s failing marriage. When Ethan and Zeena encounter each other after Ethan arrives home late at night, Wharton describes the kitchen as having “… the deadly chill of a vault after the dry cold of the night” (40). Zeena creates a cold and harsh environment in the kitchen similar to their relationship by her attitude towards Mattie and Ethan. When Zeena’s cousin Mattie is in the kitchen though, the “… bright fire [glowing] in the stove…” (60), helps to depict how the kitchen can be warm and welcoming when Zeena is away. Mattie’s lively and friendly personality is very different from Zeena’s. Mattie and Ethan’s relationship with each other contrasts Ethan and Zeena’s relationship. Though the cushion and kitchen are used to symbolize the emotionally unsatisfying aspect of Ethan and Zeena’s marriage, Wharton uses a red pickle dish to symbolize Ethan’s sexual repression. The pickle dish serves as a folic symbol for Ethan’s sexuality. A gift from their wedding, Zeena says that she, “…wouldn’t ever use it…” (94). Other than their wedding night, the pickle dish has not been used. The pickle dish is used to symbolize that Ethan and Zeena have been living in celibacy since the beginning of their marriage. When Zeena has gone away, Mattie brings down the pickle dish while preparing dinner for her and Ethan, which symbolizes how her liveliness awakens Ethan’s sexuality. The pickle dish, however, is shattered upon its use. When Zeena finds out about the accident, Wharton tells how Zeena becomes upset, “… gathering up the bits of broken glass she [goes] out of the room as is [carrying] a dead body…” (94). This event further distances the couple from each other. Once the dish is broken, it can no longer be used, similar to Ethan’s sexuality. Through symbolism of a cushion, the kitchen, and a red pickle dish, Edith Wharton depicts an emotionally and sexually unsatisfying relationship, common of the Victorian era. Wharton stresses in her novel, Ethan Frome, the importance of finding a companion who can satisfy one’s needs. Times have changed. Though divorce is more commonly accepted and the topic of sexual relations is no longer taboo, people should still take Wharton’s warnings to heart.