The symbolism in the novel Ethan Frome is an aspect of the story that allows the reader to identify with the characters, their feelings, their surroundings, and the conflicts they face both in the outside world and within themselves. This tragic book tells the story of yet another forbidden pair of lovers, but separates itself from other stories such as these with its vivid imagery. The setting of the book and the characters themselves share the same traits - both sullen, silent, somewhat cold and unfriendly. Edith Wharton uses these images to portray each character, each setting, each situation with an air of the traged