View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Wharton compares the chill in the Frome's kitchen to ______________________________.

2. Zeena may have become sickly because ______________________________.

3. With Mattie, Ethan feels ____________________.

4. Ethan makes Mattie uncomfortable when he mentions __________________________________.

5. As Ethan walks through the trees he passes _______________________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are Ethan and Mattie continually reminded of Zeena?

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

3. Why doesn't Ethan protest Zeena's costly doctor visit?

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

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

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

7. What images might foreshadow trouble or death in the chapter?

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

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

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

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 Zeena's sickness in the novel as symbolic of her personality or intentions. Write an essay in which you consider the symbolic meaning of Zeena's sickness in the novel, and discuss its significance to the theme of the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Considering the images of small town life Wharton creates in Ethan Frome, write an essay in which you argue for or against the promises and limitations of small town life exhibited in Starkfield. Use at least three characters or events as examples for your argument.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 758 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample