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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Zeena believes Mattie enjoys living in Starkfield only because ______________________________.

2. Zeena finally stopped criticizing Mattie when __________________________________.

3. Ethan claims sledding is dangerous on a night like this one because ___________________________________.

4. What gives Ethan's kitchen a "homelike look?"

5. When Ethan asks Andrew Hale for money, __________________________________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Ethan and Zeena as they fall asleep at night.

2. Describe Zeena's appearance when she opens the door for Ethan and Mattie.

3. In what way does Ethan finally attempt a physical connection between himself and Mattie?

4. Why is Mattie upset to learn that the Fromes expect her to leave them someday?

5. Why did Ethan find it easier to put his arm around Mattie when they were outside together than when they are in his home?

6. Why is Ethan concerned about Zeena's behavior toward himself and Mattie?

7. Why is Zeena traveling to Bettsbridge?

8. Why does Ethan find Zeena's silences unsettling?

9. Why has Zeena stayed up waiting for Ethan and Mattie?

10. Why is Ethan afraid to be alone on the farm?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The New York Times said, "The secret of [Ethan Frome's] greatness is the stark human drama of it;...it is plain, raw, first-hand human stuff." In your essay, defend, refute, or qualify the Times' review, identifying the novel's significance to the human experiences of love, duty, or loss.

Essay Topic 2

In most of the chapters in the novel, Ethan's thoughts and actions are revealed through third person characterization. Considering the third person limited point of view, write an essay identifying Ethan Frome as either a sympathetic or an unsympathetic character, and discuss the influence of the narrator on Ethan's characterization.

Essay Topic 3

Many images and ideas in Ethan Frome reflect isolation and disconnection for the main characters. Considering these ideas, write an essay in which you use examples of isolation and disconnection to explore, explain, rationalize, or defend any character's actions throughout the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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