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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 returns home to find _____________________________________.

2. Ethan invites Jotham to dinner because _______________________________________.

3. Ethan believes the elm ________________________________.

4. Ethan intends to hurry home for dinner so that __________________________________-.

5. What clues suggest the Fromes are very poor?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why isn't Ethan prepared for Zeena's arrival when he gets home?

2. How do Zeena and Mattie get along after the accident?

3. What are Ethan and Mattie finally free to speak about openly now that Mattie is leaving?

4. Why is Ethan willing to overlook his pride to renew his request for money from Andrew Hale?

5. Why doesn't Ethan feel he can refuse Zeena's demand to send Mattie away?

6. What does Zeena's continued good mood show about her character?

7. What do Ethan and Mattie wish for, rather than living apart?

8. Why is Mattie forced to move her trunk by herself until Ethan comes to help her?

9. What is the one rebellion Ethan finally allows himself?

10. How does Ethan's perception of Zeena change during their argument?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the importance of duty and appearance affect the events and theme of Ethan Frome? Write an essay in which you choose three examples from the text that suggest an event or theme is affected by duty and appearance.

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

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