Wharton uses symbolism and setting as building blocks to introduce her characters' personalities and the main themes of the novel. From the very beginning, Wharton emphasizes the "white landscape" and harsh climate of Starkfield. "The village lay under a sheet of snow perpetually renewed from the pale skies" (p. 10), and Starkfield emerged "like a starved garrison capitulating without quarter" (p. 11). Nothing can thrive in the town due to the uncaring weather. For example, Ethan has been "in Starkfield too many winters" (p. 10) and therefore leads a miserable life of poverty. Adding to the effect, the Frome house, with its broken "L", exposes Ethan to the harsh elements of Starkfield, symbolizing Ethan's broken life and his shattered relationship with Zeena. Because Ethan follows the rules of society, he will not divorce Zeena and leave her. It would be considered wrong to leave one's wife, especially considering the fact that she is ill. Therefore, Ethan's dreams of escaping Starkfield and becoming an engineer are left unfulfilled. Consequently he lives a life of unhappiness, demonstrating one of the main themes of the novel.
             Wharton skillfully utilizes symbolism to portray the growth of the novel's protagonist, Ethan Frome. At the outset of the novel, Ethan has a solemn, depressed existence. His sullen attitude is first associated with the colors black and brown, which symbolize how his life is actually a living death. Since Ethan's dreams cannot come true, he lives a lonely, miserable life in the farmhouse with his cold and insensitive wife Zeena. The black and brown clothing Zeena wears represents the "death" that surrounds Ethan every single day. However, when Ethan meets Mattie his demeanor changes completely. In contrast to Zeena, young Mattie is vibrant, displays an upbeat personality, and is often affiliated with the c...