Ethan Frome | Teaching Setting, Symbolism and Objects

Object Descriptions

This section provides a short description of all the major objects in the book. This can be printed out as a study guide for students, used as a "key" for leading a class discussion, or you can jump to the quiz/homework section to find worksheets that incorporate these descriptions into a variety of question formats.

Objects

Starkfield, Massachusetts - The name of the town in Ethan Frome, representing a bleak, cold and dismal environment.

Mattie's cherry-colored scarf - A cheerful, lovely article of clothing that Ethan associates with its owner's personality.

The elm tree - The giant physical obstacle that stands in the way of sledders on a hill.

Mattie's crimson hair ribbon - Ethan is attracted to the sight of this vibrant article Mattie wears on the night Zeena leaves them alone in the house together.

Zeena's pickle-dish - Zeena's treasure, broken by the cat on the night...
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