ethane frome
...bout the devoted village” Wharton uses the color white as if it were a military force coming to oppress the town. The white snow would come and bring the bitter cold with it that would restrict people’s activities and confine them in their home. The confinement is best described during the winter storm , which forces the narrator to stay with the Fromes. Harmon responds to the narrator by saying “Guess he’s been in Starkfield too many winters”The white not only describes the landscapes but penetrates to the character. The restrictions made by the snow on the people makes the town a dull and unlively place as is Ethan. Just as people can’t leave their homes in the bitter cold , Ethan can’t leave Starkfield which has become a prison to him. The white brings the cold and the cold brings sickness. The oppression of human spirits is realized by the reader when learning about Ethan’s unsuccessful escape from Starkfield due to Zeena’s sickness. However, through the use of the color silver, Wharton introduces a potential new and happy life for Ethan by dramatically contrasting Mattie to Starkfield .Silver, a lustrous color that stands out against it’s surroundings like Mattie who stands out in Starkfield because of her cheerfulness and radiancy. The dance with Denis Eady highlights Mattie’s ability stand out from others. Also Mattie is more attractive and beautiful as is the color silver. Wharton portrays Mattie as a radiant and interesting person compared to Zeena who is portrayed as a dull and unattractive person. Like silver, a flashy,color,Mattie is highly visible,everyone takes notice of her including Ethan, Hale,Powell, Zeena, and Dennis. As she is highly visible and stands out among others she is visible to Ethan who sees a potentially favorable life with her. Wharton uses the color red which is freque...