Topic > Character and Characterization in Edith's Ethan Frome...

Whether it's an object in the room or an action she performs, each symbol has a deep and intricate meaning that helps describe Mattie's true character. Every subtle detail of Mattie's character connects to her, like the light shining from her room. Its natural atmosphere of brightness and brightness is vividly depicted when Ethan tries to sleep. “As he lay there he could hear Mattie moving about in his room, and her candle, sending its little beam across the landing, traced a barely perceptible line of light under his door. He kept his eyes on the light until it faded. Then the room became completely dark and no sound was heard except Zeena's asthmatic breathing” (50). When Ethan is surrounded by darkness, Mattie has provided him with the light he needs as a symbol of hope. Staring into the pool of soft light makes him realize how much of a positive effect Mattie has on people due to her natural rays of sunshine. Even her surname can be traced back to her. Silver means feminine, calming, mysterious, calming and purifying, all elements incorporated into Mattie's personality. The little details hidden deep in the book can make the story more complex and clever, like the fact that Mattie can play 'The Lost Chord' and a potpourri from 'Carmen'” (51). “The Lost Chord,” written by Arthur Sullivan, was composed on the deathbed of the composer's sickly brother,