In literature, authors often use various writing techniques to express the character's emotions rather than by using general dialogue. By using these techniques it allows for the reader to have different type of insight into understanding the characters' emotions. In life, our surroundings often reflect or influence the opinions and emotions we develop towards certain people. Examples such as light, weather, and environment help to enhance these emotions. In the novel Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton uses setting and nature to describe the characters' emotions in lieu of dialogue.
             Edith Wharton often uses imagery involving light and warmth to portray Ethan Frome's true feelings for Mattie Silver. Ethan is held down by a ball and chain; his marriage to his wife, Zeena. It seems as though Mattie is the secret key to unlocking the ball and chain and freeing Ethan of his sin-filled heart. However, Ethan must hide his love for Mattie because of his marriage to Zeena. The only way we know of the magnitude of his love for Mattie is through the unspoken words of Wharton's imagery. "It was war, and bright in the kitchen. The sun slanted through the south window on the girl's moving figure, on the cat dozing in the chair, and on the geraniums brought in from the doorway where Ethan had planted them in the summer to 'make a garden' for Mattie. He would have liked to linger on, watching her warmly tidy up and then settle down..." (49) This insight helps us as readers to truly understand the way Ethan feels from a different perspective and opens the gates for us to further continue learning about his emotions
             In contrast to the way Ethan's feelings are portrayed toward Mattie, Wharton uses dark and cold imagery to illustrate how Ethan feels toward Zeena. Zeena is a very gaunt, feeble, and sickly woman. She seems to have the effect of bringing down those who are aro...