View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The sled allows Ethan a feeling of ________________.
(a) Escape.
(b) Duty.
(c) Doom.
(d) Submission.

2. Why isn't Zeena fooled by Ethan's claim that the cat broke her pickle dish?
(a) Zeena knows Mattie used the dish.
(b) Zeena never believes her cat can cause harm.
(c) Zeena found the glue Ethan brought home.
(d) Zeena found the pieces placed carefully back together.

3. Wharton describes Zeena as possessing an air of ___________________.
(a) Tragedy.
(b) Insanity.
(c) Sickness.
(d) Authority.

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

5. Ethan feels his misery is mocked by ________________________________.
(a) The decaying state of his home.
(b) Zeena's renewed energy.
(c) The beauty of the day outside.
(d) Denis Eady and his young friends.

Short Answer Questions

1. Later, Zeena insisted _____________________________________.

2. For Ethan, Zeena personifies ______________________________-.

3. Ethan finds Zeena _______________________________.

4. In his anguish, Ethan finds the nerve to _____________________.

5. Secretly, Ethan wanted to put off his trip into town because it meant _________________________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What do Ethan and Mattie wish for, rather than living apart?

3. What does Ethan claim about the state of his marriage in the letter to Zeena, and what does this show about Ethan's character?

4. What reason does Ethan give Mattie for Zeena sending her away?

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

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

7. What might the weather foreshadow about Ethan's plans for the day?

8. What prevents Jotham from staying for dinner as he usually does, and why does this bother Ethan?

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

10. Why does Ethan perceive himself as impotent in his situation?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 797 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample