Theme+&+Symbols

1. How do the weather patterns in the novel correspond with the changes in mood? How does the setting cause the reader to feel as though they have “been in Starkfield too many winters.”?

2. Physical symbols are very important to the novel, explain the significance of various symbols including Mattie's red scarf, Ethan's parent's tombstone, and the red pickle dish.

3. The novel is full of contrasts such as Ethan's relationship with Zeena versus the relationship between Ruth and Ned. What are some other important contrasts found in the novel?

4. Loss and death are prevalent in the novel, from symbols of death to actual death. How does this add to the overall mood of the novel?

5. Ethan Frome often chooses personal fulfillment over his duties in his marriage, family, and society. What are come examples of this?

6. Ethan's life is plagued by fate getting in the way of his decisions. For example, rather than move ahead in life, he is forced to stay home and care for his mother and father. This turns his original future of becoming an engineer into a career as a farmer. What are some other examples of this?

7. Many people in Ethan Frome feel isolated or imprisoned. How are they imprisoned/ what is imprisoning them?

8. How does Ethan's biased narration effect the overall mood of the novel?