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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. What spark in Ethan had not been completely extinguished by the Starkfield winters?

2. Why can't Ethan replace Zeena's pickle dish?

3. Ethan claims he needs to collect money from Mr. Hale because ____________________________________.

4. Zeena has packed her bag in order to _________________________________.

5. Zeena's cat ____________________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What, according to Ethan, is responsible for the biggest change in Mattie since she arrived in Starkfield?

2. What is Ethan's attitude toward Denis Eady? Why?

3. What is ironic about Mattie's greeting when Ethan arrives home?

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

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

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

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

8. Why is Ethan so concerned about Zeena's behavior the previous evening?

9. What concerns does Ethan Frome express about Mattie Silver throughout the chapter?

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

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

Hal Borland said, "No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn." Consdering this quote, write an essay in which you argue whether or not Ethan's symbolic "winter" has lasted forever, or whether spring has come to him in any way. Use specific examples to support your text.

Essay Topic 3

Martin Luther said that "Thoughts pay no duty." Considering the difference between Ethan Frome's thoughts and his many actions of duty performed in the novel, write an essay in which you defend, refute or qualify Luther's quote using Ethan Frome as support for your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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