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

2. When Ethan and Mattie arrive at home, they cannot find _______________________.

3. Why is Zeena still awake when Ethan and Mattie arrive at home?

4. Zeena may have become sickly because ______________________________.

5. Ethan and Mattie talk frankly for the first time about __________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Zeena's family refuse to help Mattie when her father dies?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Why does Mattie feel she may have displeased Zeena?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the minor characters in the novel, such as Harmon Gow, Jotham Powell, Andrew Hale, or Ruth Varnum Hale, and write an essay in which you describe the influence of any minor character's actions on the events or theme of the text.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the motifs of brokenness, sickness, and injury in Ethan Frome. Write an essay in which you explain the significance of any one of these motifs to the theme or message of the novel.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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