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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Though Ethan's studies were brief, the author states that he became aware of
(a) The many levels of consciousness.
(b) The several dimensions of life.
(c) Absolute truth and literal meanings.
(d) Cloudy meanings behind the daily face of things.

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

3. Zeena does not want to move from Starkfield because ________________________________________.
(a) She feels threatened by the townspeople and is afraid to leave the house.
(b) She feels superior to the townspeople, and this gives her comfort.
(c) She loves the town and its people.
(d) She loves the farm life.

4. Most of their quiet or intimate moments are interrupted by _____________________.
(a) The wind.
(b) Zeena.
(c) The dog.
(d) The cat.

5. Mattie worries that Zeena ______________________________.
(a) Is not satisfied with her work.
(b) Is jealous of Mattie's money.
(c) Is not satisfied with Ethan's farming abilities.
(d) Is jealous of Mattie's affair with Ethan.

Short Answer Questions

1. Ethan asks Mattie to sit in Zeena's chair because _____________________________.

2. Mattie is encouraged to enjoy evenings out because _______________________________.

3. With Mattie, Ethan feels ____________________.

4. Ethan now sees the cemetery as ____________________________.

5. Most of the story takes place during which season?

Short Essay Questions

1. If winter has kept him "frozen" in the same old patterns, what might the coming spring promise for Ethan Frome?

2. Why did Ethan find it easier to put his arm around Mattie when they were outside together than when they are in his home?

3. Why is Ethan so concerned about Zeena's behavior the previous evening?

4. What, according to Ethan, is responsible for the biggest change in Mattie since she arrived in Starkfield?

5. Why does Mattie feel she may have displeased Zeena?

6. Describe Zeena Frome.

7. Describe Ethan and Zeena as they fall asleep at night.

8. What images might foreshadow trouble or death in the chapter?

9. What is Ethan's attitude toward Denis Eady? Why?

10. What does Ethan enjoy sharing with Mattie that he cannot share with Zeena?

(see the answer keys)

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