The Importance of Zeena’s Constant Presence

Throughout the novella, Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, Zeena’s cat is used as a symbol to represent Zeena herself. In literature, a symbol is used to reveal a deeper and more significant meaning in an object. In the case of the cat, it is used to signify Zeena’s presence. This is most prevalent when Mattie and Ethan spend time alone when Zeena is not around. Many literary critics have studied the importance of the cat in the novella, but many of them agree that the cat is a representation of Zeena herself. The cats actions throughout the novella are meant to lure the reader to a deeper understanding of the significance of it within the story. Altogether, the presence of Zeena’s cat is used as a symbol to represent Zeena’s presence even in her absence.

It seemed almost inevitable that Zeena would forever have a presence in Ethan’s life following the death of his mother. From the very beginning her presence in Ethan’s life is filled with sorrow and sadness. From the very beginning of their marriage, Zeena becomes very sickly. So, she was constantly confined to her rocking chair. The presence of the cat as a symbol of Zeena first becomes known to the reader when Zeena left to see a doctor overnight. While Zeena is away, Mattie and Ethan are able to be alone together for the first time. When they “drew their seats up to the table, and the cat, unbidden, jumped between them into Zeena’s empty chair” (Frome 5). By the cat going into Zeena’s spot in the chair it reminds Mattie and Ethan that this is not there reality and Zeena will forever prevent them from having a relationship. This is especially true because even when she is not present, they are still reminded of her presence through her cat. During the time Zeena is away, her presence in the Frome household “becomes more powerful…: when the pickle dish is broken, when Mattie sits in Zeena’s rocking chair, and when the cat inadvertently starts the chair rocking and the specter of Zeena fills the room”(Salem Press). The actions of the cat in this scene further develops the readers understanding of Zeena’s presence within Mattie and Ethan’s relationship. Thus, the reader can conclude that she will forever have a role within their relationship because even in her absence her presence is still felt. Therefore, Zeena’s cat represents herself, but also uncovers her forever presence within Mattie and Ethan’s relationship.