This cold, overbearing force of nature directly reflects Ethan's own overbearing force in his personal life, Zeena. After his mother dies one winter, Ethan attaches himself to Zeena to ease his longing for warmth and compassion and to assure he doesn't spend the winter alone. Our first portrayal of Zeena describes her as "tall and angular" with a "flat breast", "puckered throat" and "projecting wrist"; a harsh depiction akin to that of the previous portrayal of winter. We see this same comparison in the way the couple interacts with each other, that is, with a sense of indifference and hostility. Winter is also a barren season, one that brings no life and instead destroys it. The marriage between Ethan and Zeena is also a barren one, the two having no children, and Mattie, much like the springtime, threatens that oppressive force with her
This cold, overbearing force of nature directly reflects Ethan's own overbearing force in his personal life, Zeena. After his mother dies one winter, Ethan attaches himself to Zeena to ease his longing for warmth and compassion and to assure he doesn't spend the winter alone. Our first portrayal of Zeena describes her as "tall and angular" with a "flat breast", "puckered throat" and "projecting wrist"; a harsh depiction akin to that of the previous portrayal of winter. We see this same comparison in the way the couple interacts with each other, that is, with a sense of indifference and hostility. Winter is also a barren season, one that brings no life and instead destroys it. The marriage between Ethan and Zeena is also a barren one, the two having no children, and Mattie, much like the springtime, threatens that oppressive force with her