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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. Ethan resists following his wife upstairs because __________________________________________.
(a) He does not want Mattie to be left downstairs alone.
(b) He does not want to give in to Zeena's demands.
(c) He does not want Mattie to see him show kindness to Zeena.
(d) He does not want Mattie to watch them go up to bed together.

2. Zeena has packed her bag in order to _________________________________.
(a) Travel to the Flats to pick up a hired girl.
(b) Threaten to leave Ethan.
(c) Travel to Bettsbridge to see a new doctor.
(d) Bring Mattie to the train station.

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

4. Mattie is afraid ______________________________________________.
(a) She will be sent away from the Fromes with no other place to go.
(b) She will never find love in Starkfield.
(c) She is not strong enough to take care of Zeena.
(d) She is growing old.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Since the previous night, Ethan feels a sense of _______________.

2. Ethan looks forward to the walks to meet Mattie because ______________________________.

3. What is happening at the church at midnight?

4. What gives Ethan's kitchen a "homelike look?"

5. Ethan claims sledding is dangerous on a night like this one because ___________________________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Ethan afraid to be alone on the farm?

3. Why does Zeena's family refuse to help Mattie when her father dies?

4. Describe Zeena's appearance when she opens the door for Ethan and Mattie.

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

6. Why are Ethan and Mattie continually reminded of Zeena?

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

8. What concerns does Ethan Frome express about Mattie Silver throughout the chapter?

9. In what way does Ethan finally attempt a physical connection between himself and Mattie?

10. Describe the overall mood of Chapter 1.

(see the answer keys)

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