Symbolic Imagery used in ethan frome
Pickle Dish
The pickle dish symbolizes the relationship between Zeena and Ethan. It is something that is never taken down from the shelf, never touched, something that echoes the couple's static and uncaring relationship. Then, Mattie takes down the dish, something Zeena forbade her to use, which parallels how Mattie threatens everything between Zeena and Ethan. When the dish breaks, it symbolizes the disintegration of the couple's marriage. Zeena is seen mourning greatly over losing the pickle dish-mourning greatly over losing her husband-as she picks up the broken pieces and leaves, with a feeling of finality that is irreparable.
"...I tried to keep my things where you couldn't get at 'em-and now you've took from me the one I cared for most of all-" She broke off...and gathering up the bits of broken glass she went out of the room as if she carried a dead body
The Cat
The cat owned by the Fromes symbolizes Zeena's presence. It is constantly around Ethan and Mattie while they are alone together, and it serves as a reminder to Ethan that he is doing this behind his wife's back. When Ethan is having an intimate moment with Mattie at the sewing machine, the cat loudly jumps off the rocking chair, breaking the moment and making Ethan think of how Zeena will be in that chair tomorrow and that he and Mattie will probably never have a moment alone like this again. "The return to reality was as painful as the return to consciousness after taking anesthetic". The cat also is the one who breaks the pickle dish, the thing that symbolizes the Frome's broken marriage, so in a way Zeena's presence broke the dish and brought the reality of betrayal back to Mattie and Ethan, ruining the peace of their evening.
Cushion
When Ethan is in a state of despair, fretting over Mattie's imminent departing, he finds a cushion in his old study. The cushion was made by Zeena, but it is poorly made and uncomfortable, and Ethan throws it across the room in a moment of anger and frustration at his wife. However, Ethan recalls when Mattie does her craftsmanship and how is much more comforting and pleasant. Zeena's lumpy pillow parallels her unappealing nature to Ethan, her health and personality reflecting with the unpleasant cushion. By comparison, Mattie is more capable and suitable to him, her skill in sewing better than Zeena much like how she has more passion and love than Zeena.