In novels, such as Edith Wharton’s Ethan Frome, imagery and theme play a large role in developing the novel and bringing it to the status of a ‘Classic.’ An author’s use of imagery gives the reader an idea of the novel’s characters and setting. It helps to advance the reader’s understanding of the novel and its theme. The theme of a novel is also an important aspect that one must consider in order to have a clear understanding of the purpose, or central idea of the novel. Edith Wharton employs both positive and negative images of Starkfield and its inhabitants to enhance the overall theme of Ethan Frome. The im