a) -Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is used in Ethan Frome to hint at the tragedy that will eventually befall the characters. For example, Ethan's encounter with the dog foreshadows how his life will be when he is living with Mattie and unable to escape from the town. -Imagery: Imagery is used in Ethan Frome to create vivid mental images of the characters and the harsh environment in which they live. For example, Wharton compares Ethan to a "burnt-out torch" to show how his spirit has been diminished by his life in Starkfield. -Symbolism: Symbolism is used in Ethan Frome to represent different ideas and themes. For example, Ethan's broken pickle dish is a symbol of his shattered dreams, while the pink ribbon Mattie wears is a symbol of hope and love. b) Ethan Frome is a classic example of a naturalist work. In the novel, Ethan …show more content…
It allows the reader to anticipate events before they happen and adds tension to the story. Ethan’s encounter with the dog is one example of foreshadowing in the novel. When Ethan comes across the dog, it is described as “a shaggy, yellowish object,” which is an obvious metaphor for Ethan’s own life. It shows that Ethan is trapped in Starkfield, just like the dog is trapped in its pen. This foreshadows the way Ethan will be trapped in his home with Mattie, unable to escape from the town. Imagery: Imagery is used in Ethan Frome to create vivid mental images of the characters and the harsh environment in which they live. It helps the reader to better understand the characters and their struggles. One example of imagery used in the novel is when Wharton compares Ethan to a “burnt-out torch.” This metaphor shows how Ethan’s spirit has been diminished by his life in Starkfield. The image of a burnt-out torch is a powerful one, as it conveys the idea that Ethan’s life has been extinguished by his