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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The smoke and haze from Ethan's pipe might represent ___________________________.
(a) Confusion of reality.
(b) Societal oppression.
(c) The threat of death.
(d) Zeena's ghost.

2. Zeena believes Mattie will leave soon because ______________________________.
(a) Mattie has grown tired of Ethan's advances.
(b) Mattie has found another post in town.
(c) Mattie will get married to Denis Eady.
(d) Mattie will return to live with her own family.

3. Ethan claims sledding is dangerous on a night like this one because ___________________________________.
(a) It is so dark that they might not find their way home.
(b) It is bad luck to sled when there is no moon outside.
(c) It is so dark that they might hit the elm tree.
(d) It is so cold that he would not be able to steer the sled.

4. Ethan claims he needs to collect money from Mr. Hale because ____________________________________.
(a) He needs an excuse to get Jotham Powell out of the house.
(b) He needs an excuse to buy Mattie a gift.
(c) He needs an excuse to avoid driving Zeena to the Flats.
(d) He needs an excuse to visit Mr. Hale.

5. The Fromes take Mattie into their home because ____________________________________.
(a) Zeena refuses to do housework now that she is married.
(b) Zeena feels compassion for Mattie's position.
(c) Zeena's doctor has recommended she get help with the housework.
(d) Ethan insists they help Mattie.

6. Ethan tries to avoid accompanying his wife to bed by claiming ________________________________.
(a) He has to rebuild the fire.
(b) He has work to do in his study.
(c) He has to go over the mill accounts.
(d) He has to tend to the horses.

7. While Ethan warms himself by the stove, Mattie _______________________.
(a) Polishes the pickle dish.
(b) Sews in the kitchen.
(c) Sews near the lamp.
(d) Glues the dish back together.

8. When Ethan and Mattie arrive at home, they cannot find _______________________.
(a) The keys to the car.
(b) The key to the house.
(c) The key to the barn.
(d) The sled.

9. Wharton compares Mattie's hair to "a drift of mist on the moon," which suggests ___________________________.
(a) Fantasy and impermanence.
(b) Logic and reality.
(c) Ugliness and coarseness.
(d) Fear and doom.

10. Ethan enjoys following Zeena's orders at first because ___________________________________________.
(a) They free him to leave the house and go about his business.
(b) They remind him of when his mother was alive and well.
(c) They free him of responsibility to his home and family.
(d) He cannot run the farm without her help.

11. What gives Ethan's kitchen a "homelike look?"
(a) Mattie's cleaning.
(b) Flowers Ethan brings for Mattie.
(c) Zeena's absence.
(d) The new stove Ethan put in.

12. Ethan looks forward to the walks to meet Mattie because ______________________________.
(a) They allow him to socialize with the townspeople.
(b) These are his only opportunities to be alone at night.
(c) These are the only opportunities he has to be alone with her.
(d) He needs the exercise.

13. What word best describes the mood of the scene between Ethan and Mattie?
(a) Expectant.
(b) Guilty.
(c) Fearful.
(d) Somber.

14. How is the pickle dish broken?
(a) Ethan knocks it off the table.
(b) The dog knocks it off the table.
(c) Mattie knocks it off the table.
(d) The cat knocks it off the table.

15. Zeena asks Ethan if Jotham Powell can _________________________.
(a) Drive her to the train station.
(b) Drive her to Michael Eady's store.
(c) Bring the lumber to Mr. Hale.
(d) Accompany her to the doctor's office.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. When Zeena opens the door, Ethan is surprised by _______________________.

3. Zeena's family gave Mattie ____________________________.

4. Ethan dreads Zeena's trips to the doctor because _____________________________.

5. Ethan's mother suggested she was listening to ___________________________.

(see the answer keys)

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