Wharton emphasizes the theme of hopelessness and failure numerous times throughout the novel. As a young child, Ethan dreamed of studying science, but his dreams were shattered when he was obligated to return to the farm to care for his ailing mother. After she died, in fear of being alone, married Zeena, and ever since then, he could not seem to get away from his predetermined life on the farm. The theme is emphasizes the theme through the use of symbolism, point-of-view, and setting.
Zeena cared so much about a dull pickle dish that she literally cried when she found out that it was broken while she was away. The dish shows how is unable to love people, so she gives all of her love to inanimate objects that can never return
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