"Here and there a star pricked through, showing behind it a deep well of blue. In an hour or two the moon would push over the ridge behind the farm, burn a gold-edged rent in the clouds, and then be swallowed by them. A mournful peace hung on the fields, as though they felt the relaxing grasp of the cold and stretched themselves in their long winter sleep.” (Wharton 69)
Out of the numerous examples of vivid seasonal imagery, I chose this passage because it seemed different than most of the others. What drew me to this passage was that it has a darker tone than the other examples that I came across while reading. I believe that this can either be attributed to the fact that it is indeed night time that is being described in this part of the novel, or it could be a remark on the coming events of the story. When Wharton writes that there was “a mournful peace” hanging over the fields, to me, it suggests a “calm before the storm” feeling.
In this way, I think Edith Wharton uses this imagery to tie into the story. It seems like the passage can be related directly to the strange situation that is brewing between Mattie, Ethan, and even Zeena, in the aspect of it being foreboding. I love how Wharton uses such powerful words that not only vividly describe the setting and atmosphere of the story, but relate it directly to the storyline.
Also important, I think Wharton used these select words to compare the actions of the night sky and it components to Ethan’s feelings. Just before the imagery passage, Wharton writes about Ethan reminiscing about how he and Mattie longed for each other the night before. The “moon being swallowed by the clouds” could be Ethan’s feelings for Mattie being lost in all of his other emotions and concerns.
Nevertheless, this passage does a great job describing the setting of Ethan Frome.
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