Symbolism In Wharton's Ethan Frome

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“The heart wants what it wants”- Woody Allen. The motif, red establishes a connection to the theme that people often allow their heart to burn with a passion of feelings for someone. In the novella, Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton presents the motif, red in order to accentuate the affection Mattie has for Ethan, reveal her delicate body language, and to symbolize her passion of love towards someone whom she cherishes.
Although Mattie is young, she posses the ability to express her feelings towards Ethan. Wharton makes Mattie express her affection towards Ethan by detailing her actions during the encounter with Zeena in the frigid house, “A fugitive warning gleamed through her lashes. . . . they sank to her flushed cheeks” in order to allow the audience to observe Mattie’s emotions (32). Without the insight of Mattie’s feelings towards Ethan, there would be trouble …show more content…
Wharton makes Mattie take of her scarf after entering the house with Ethan, “Unwinding her wraps, the colour of the cherry scarf in her fresh lips and cheeks” in order to symbolize the passion of love between her and Ethan (32). Red represents passion and love which is demonstrated in the quote and is directed towards Ethan whom she cherishes. The motif, red is utilized to symbolize the passion and love allows Mattie to express her feelings which would not occur if there was no color red throughout the novella. Mattie expresses her affection towards Ethan which allows the audience to observe her actions towards him. She also exerts body language to display her emotions and gives the audience a reason as to how she feels towards him. The utilization of red as a motif permits Mattie to express her feelings towards the person she cherishes. Therefore, Wharton's novella Ethan Frome is enriched with red hues in order to produce the affection that Mattie has for Ethan, and tie her heart into
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