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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. Ethan returns home early because ___________________________________________.

2. How is the pickle dish broken?

3. Zeena's cat ____________________________.

4. Who almost runs into the elm when sledding?

5. What brought Ethan back to the farm, ending his studies at Worcester?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Ethan give up on the hope of money from Andrew Hale?

2. Describe the overall mood of Chapter 1.

3. Why does Ethan mention to Mattie that he saw Ned and Ruth kissing earlier?

4. What does Ethan enjoy sharing with Mattie that he cannot share with Zeena?

5. Why is Zeena traveling to Bettsbridge?

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

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

8. What was Ethan doing before he returned to Starkfield?

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

10. If winter has kept him "frozen" in the same old patterns, what might the coming spring promise for Ethan Frome?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider Wharton's use of symbols such as the horse, the cold, and the farmhouse to establish Frome's character throughout the novel. Then write an essay in which you identify at least three symbols that represent qualities of Ethan's character.

Essay Topic 2

Characters in Ethan Frome are faced with the manipulation and motivations of others throughout the text. Choose the character you believe is most effected by others' manipulations and motivations, and write an essay supporting your argument. Use specific examples from the text to help support your point.

Essay Topic 3

Considering the author's use of irony in the novel, write an essay in which you argue for or against its effectiveness in revealing the message. Use specific examples of irony from the text as support, and evaluate the success or failure of each one in contributing to the message of the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 793 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample