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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. In the morning, Ethan convinces himself that ________________________________.

2. As he prepares the sorrel, Ethan remembers ______________________________.

3. In his hurry to get be in the house with Mattie, Ethan neglects ________________________________.

4. What does Zeena claim the doctor has ordered her to do?

5. When Zeena arrives home, she ______________________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Ruth Hale believe Ethan Frome suffers so badly?

3. Describe Mattie as the narrator sees her.

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

5. What prevents Jotham from staying for dinner as he usually does, and why does this bother Ethan?

6. What is significant about Zeena's behavior that day?

7. What inspires Ethan to try to leave Zeena?

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

9. What generally happens when Ethan tries to be dishonest?

10. How is Ethan once again annoyed by Denis Eady in Chapter 6?

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

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

In most of the chapters in the novel, Ethan's thoughts and actions are revealed through third person characterization. Considering the third person limited point of view, write an essay identifying Ethan Frome as either a sympathetic or an unsympathetic character, and discuss the influence of the narrator on Ethan's characterization.

(see the answer keys)

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