View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Zeena may have become sickly because ______________________________.
(a) Ethan forced her to work outside on the farm.
(b) She became obsessed with her own symptoms.
(c) She refused to take medications.
(d) Ethan would not permit her to leave the farm.

3. As he travels to town, Ethan dreams about ______________________________.
(a) Spending his evening waiting for Zeena to arrive.
(b) Zeena's illness and death.
(c) Spending his evening with Mattie like a married couple.
(d) His mother's presence in his home.

4. What brought Ethan back to the farm, ending his studies at Worcester?
(a) His mother's suggestion that he get married.
(b) His mother's death.
(c) His father's bankruptcy.
(d) His father's death.

5. Where is Ethan Frome going at the start of Chapter 1?
(a) Ethan is walking to the church in town to pick up his wife's cousin.
(b) Ethan is going a neighboring town to seek a doctor for his wife.
(c) Ethan is walking back to the farm to find his wife's cousin.
(d) Ethan is walking to the church to escort Mattie and Michael Eady back to town.

6. Most of the story takes place during which season?
(a) Summer.
(b) Winter.
(c) Fall.
(d) Spring.

7. When Mattie tried stenography and bookkeeping, _________________________________.
(a) Her health broke down.
(b) She had great success.
(c) Her attitude prevented her from succeeding.
(d) She became valuable to her family members.

8. When Ethan returned to Starkfield, he missed ____________________________.
(a) The chance to study astronomy.
(b) The chance to discuss business among men.
(c) Friendly interactions with his classmates.
(d) Dances where he might meet girls.

9. Ethan does his clearest thinking while _______________________________.
(a) Feeding the horses.
(b) Talking to Zeena.
(c) Driving the lumber to town.
(d) Working familiar outdoor tasks.

10. Why can't Ethan replace Zeena's pickle dish?
(a) It came from Philadelphia.
(b) It was a family heirloom.
(c) It came from Paris.
(d) It was the last of its kind.

11. 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 visit Mr. Hale.
(c) He needs an excuse to avoid driving Zeena to the Flats.
(d) He needs an excuse to buy Mattie a gift.

12. Ethan is please to find that ______________________________.
(a) He can marry Mattie when Zeena dies.
(b) He can share some of his passions with Mattie.
(c) He can tell Mattie of his troubles with Zeena.
(d) He can leave Mattie to take care of herself.

13. Ethan returns home early because ___________________________________________.
(a) He is afraid Jotham Powell will suspect his love for Mattie.
(b) He cannot get the horses to town safely.
(c) He is afraid to face Mr. Hale and ask for money.
(d) He is afraid there will be trouble between Mattie and Zeena.

14. When Zeena opens the door, Ethan is surprised by _______________________.
(a) Her gaunt appearance.
(b) Her refusal to let them enter.
(c) Her excitement over their return.
(d) Her cold nature.

15. Ethan's love of nature does not extend to ___________________.
(a) Animals.
(b) Astronomy.
(c) Agriculture.
(d) Lumber.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. Wharton compares Mattie's hair to "a drift of mist on the moon," which suggests ___________________________.

4. Ethan is initially drawn to Zeena because __________________________________.

5. Zeena believes Mattie will leave soon because ______________________________.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 679 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample