Edith Wharton wrote Ethan Frome the story. Ethan Frome is a story about a man, Ethan Frome, who lives with his wife and his wife's cousin. He is torn apart with the decision whether to cheat on his wife or not. Edith Wharton uses symbols throughout the story for foreshadowing and better understanding of what was happening through the story. It is easier to understand what is happening and what is to happen in Ethan Frome through symbols and character description.
             In the story Ethan Frome, there are many symbols in the characters and their surroundings. One is in the cat. It represents Zeena by interrupting Mattie and Ethan talking at dinner, as does Zeena in Mattie and Ethan's relationship. Another is the cucumber vine outside Ethan's house. It represents the death of their marriage, because cucumber vines symbol death. Then the vine had wrapped around the door knob of the Frome's house. One important symbol is the pickle dish. It was given to Zeena for her and Ethan's marriage, therefore, symbolizing their marriage. Mattie later breaks it; this symbolizes how Mattie broke up Ethan and Zeena's marriage. Another of the symbols used in the story is in Ned and Ruth. They symbolize who Mattie and Ethan want to be. They're happily engaged and in love. All of these symbols make it easier to understand the flow of the story.
             Character descriptions throughout Ethan Frome also make the story easier to understand. Ethan Frome is a character we see with many traits. He is a very hard working person and prides himself in his work. When there is work to be done, he makes sure it is done before moving on to something else. Ethan is also very responsible. This ties in with his hard work, because he never forgets his work. He also is always keeping check on his horses. Ethan Frome is also very honest. He has never told a lie in his life. This is true until Mattie come
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