ic of Ethan's boring life. Just as Ethans house was once new and beautiful it is now worn by many harsh winters in Starkfield, as was Ethan after the accident. The ravages of winter destroy both Ethans will to survive and the buildings that Ethan constructed to shield him from the cruel environment of Massachusetts.The part that I liked the best in the novel was in the end when Mattie and Ethan decided to go sledding. In the fresh snow they put away their sorrow and regret for just one moment of joy. I thought that Ethan and Mattie kissing in the same position that Ned Hale and Ruth Varnum did, symbolized the passion that they experienced throughout the entire novel. Furthermore I felt that deciding to commit a double suicide is an odd way to prove their love for each other and also in a weird way romantic. When Ethan decides not to run into the tree head on I did feel a great amount of relief because I did not want Ethan or Mattie to die. Not only is the symbolism dark but so is the end of the story and it makes Ethan Frome a different type of a love story. It is not all fireworks and flowers, I enjoy a break from the norm, and that is what I liked so much about Ethan Frome....
