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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 resists following his wife upstairs because __________________________________________.

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

3. At the end of the chapter, Ethan's last thoughts are about _____________________________.

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

5. What gives Ethan's kitchen a "homelike look?"

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Describe the overall mood of Chapter 1.

8. What is Ethan's reaction to finding Ned and Ruth Varnum kissing among the trees?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Whose fault is the eventual state of the Fromes? Write an essay in which you consider the final state of the Fromes, financially, socially, and emotionally speaking, and determine one character who is ultimately at fault for their decline. Use specific examples from the text to support your argument.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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