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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. Why does Ethan insist on sitting in the front of the sled?
(a) He wants to be able to steer the sled.
(b) He wants to feel Mattie's arms around him.
(c) He wants to absorb the shock when they hit the elm.
(d) He wants to feel the air in his face.

2. Why is the lumber especially hard for Ethan to load?
(a) The logs are frozen together.
(b) The tree trunks are slippery.
(c) The tree trunks keep breaking.
(d) The wagon is too short to carry them.

3. Before they strike the elm, Ethan has a last vision of __________________________.
(a) Zeena's face.
(b) His mother.
(c) Mattie's face.
(d) The cemetery by his home.

4. Why has no stranger set foot in the Fromes' house in twenty years?
(a) Ethan Frome is too ashamed of his past actions to entertain friends.
(b) Ethan Frome has grown angry and unfriendly.
(c) Ethan Frome is too ashamed of Zeena and Mattie.
(d) Ethan Frome is too proud to let anyone see how he lives.

5. Throughout the morning, Ethan continues to feel a spirit of ______________________.
(a) Patriotism.
(b) Meanness.
(c) Rebellion.
(d) Vengeance.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What pleasure do Mattie and Ethan allow themselves before the train comes?

3. What does Zeena want to question Mattie about before she leaves?

4. Ethan finds that Zeena's refusal to eat is usually followed by ___________________________________.

5. Who confesses the truth about the broken dish?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way would Ethan have "lived" if Mattie had died, according to Mrs. Hale?

2. What is significant about Zeena's behavior that day?

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

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

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

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

7. What has given Zeena a new air of authority?

8. Describe Mattie as the narrator sees her.

9. Why is Mattie forced to move her trunk by herself until Ethan comes to help her?

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

(see the answer keys)

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