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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. When Mattie tried stenography and bookkeeping, _________________________________.

2. Zeena's family is offended by Mattie's father because _______________________________________.

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

4. Mattie Silver has lived with the Fromes for _______________.

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the overall mood of Chapter 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Why is Zeena traveling to Bettsbridge?

9. What is the atmosphere between Ethan and Mattie like after dinner?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Considering the major characters of the novel, determine any character as sympathetic, and write an essay in which you defend your choice using specific examples from the text. Then, do the same with an unsympathetic character.

(see the answer keys)

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