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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What spark in Ethan had not been completely extinguished by the Starkfield winters?
(a) A spark of life.
(b) A spark of sociability.
(c) A spark of industry.
(d) A spark of curiosity.

2. Ethan makes Mattie uncomfortable when he mentions __________________________________.
(a) Denis Eady coming to visit her at the house.
(b) Ruth and Ned kissing behind the trees.
(c) Her clumsiness with the pickle dish.
(d) How beautiful she looks under the lamp.

3. Ethan enjoys following Zeena's orders at first because ___________________________________________.
(a) They remind him of when his mother was alive and well.
(b) He cannot run the farm without her help.
(c) They free him to leave the house and go about his business.
(d) They free him of responsibility to his home and family.

4. Though Ethan's studies were brief, the author states that he became aware of
(a) Absolute truth and literal meanings.
(b) The several dimensions of life.
(c) Cloudy meanings behind the daily face of things.
(d) The many levels of consciousness.

5. Zeena finally stopped criticizing Mattie when __________________________________.
(a) Mattie begged Zeena's forgiveness.
(b) Mattie asked Zeena to train her properly.
(c) Mattie grew stronger and more competent.
(d) Mattie grew silent and obedient.

6. Ethan and Mattie do not go sledding that evening because ___________________________.
(a) It is too cold outside.
(b) Mattie forgot their plans to go sledding.
(c) Ethan forgot their plans to go sledding.
(d) It is too dark outside.

7. Mattie is encouraged to enjoy evenings out because _______________________________.
(a) She is a nuisance in the Frome's home.
(b) She has threatened to leave the Fromes many times, and they wish to keep her happy.
(c) She is an unpaid aid in the Frome's home, and might be unhappy otherwise.
(d) She has frequently complained of missing her old life of leisure and revelry.

8. Ethan and Mattie discuss the marriage of ________________________.
(a) Jothan and Mattie.
(b) Mattie and Denis.
(c) Ned and Ruth.
(d) Ethan and Zeena.

9. Most of the story takes place during which season?
(a) Fall.
(b) Spring.
(c) Winter.
(d) Summer.

10. Ethan looks forward to the walks to meet Mattie because ______________________________.
(a) These are the only opportunities he has to be alone with her.
(b) They allow him to socialize with the townspeople.
(c) He needs the exercise.
(d) These are his only opportunities to be alone at night.

11. Ethan dreads Zeena's trips to the doctor because _____________________________.
(a) She never trusts what the doctors say.
(b) She returns sicker than she was when she left.
(c) He does not believe she is sick.
(d) They cost so much.

12. Wharton compares the chill in the Frome's kitchen to ______________________________.
(a) Zeena's heart.
(b) The landscape of Starkfield.
(c) A darkened hearth.
(d) A vault after the dry cold of a night.

13. Zeena may have become sickly because ______________________________.
(a) Ethan would not permit her to leave the farm.
(b) Ethan forced her to work outside on the farm.
(c) She became obsessed with her own symptoms.
(d) She refused to take medications.

14. Why is Zeena still awake when Ethan and Mattie arrive at home?
(a) She claims she felt so mean she could not sleep.
(b) She claims she was worried about them in the storm.
(c) She claims she was jealous of Mattie and Ethan.
(d) She claims she was too cold to sleep.

15. Ethan does his clearest thinking while _______________________________.
(a) Feeding the horses.
(b) Working familiar outdoor tasks.
(c) Talking to Zeena.
(d) Driving the lumber to town.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is happening at the church at midnight?

2. Ethan claims that Mattie did not see him outside the church because _____________________________________.

3. As Ethan walks through the trees he passes _______________________________.

4. Ethan puts his arm around Mattie ________________________.

5. Mattie's only skills include _______________________________________.

(see the answer keys)

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