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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 hopes that the bad roads or a late train might cause him to __________________________.

2. Why is the lumber especially hard for Ethan to load?

3. When Ethan returns to Mattie, he tells her _______________________________.

4. What task do Ethan and Mattie carry out together?

5. What emotion does Mrs. Hale express for Ethan?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Ethan perceive himself as impotent in his situation?

3. What clues does Ethan have that Zeena's return will not be a pleasant one?

4. What does Zeena spend her time doing since the accident?

5. Who finally takes action to determine the outcome of Ethan and Mattie's situation?

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

7. Aside from Mattie, where does Ethan continue to find inspiration and beauty?

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

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

10. Describe Mattie as the narrator sees her.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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