RedThroughout the story Mattie is seen with many red items, such as a red, flowing scarf and a red ribbon she ties in her hair. These red items represent a number of things about Mattie, such as her passion. She is young and in love with Ethan, and much like how red is a pulsing, bright, exciting color, Mattie is a healthy girl and an exciting, bright part of Ethan's life. Red, however, can also represent seduction. It is clear that Mattie seduces Ethan with how she stands out in the dull town, like red stands out against the monochrome surroundings.
"...She had run a streak of crimson ribbon, This tribute to the unusual transformed and glorified her." |
GreyZeena is out of the prime of her life. She is sick and uncaring and miserly, and is dull in Ethan's life, compared to Mattie's bright red. Her skin is ashen, and she often sits in a chair with a black blanket and a white pillow. Her entire being gives off the same monochrome feeling that the town of Starkfield gives Ethan. The grey backdrop of the town, combined with the grey of Zeena's presence, depresses Ethan and is all the more reason that he looks to Mattie, with her bright colors.
"Zeena herself, from an oppressive reality, had faded into an insubstantial shade. All [Ethan's] life was lived in the sight and sound of Mattie Silver..." |