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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Ethan and Mattie discuss the marriage of ________________________.

2. Though Ethan's studies were brief, the author states that he became aware of

3. Mattie worries that Zeena ______________________________.

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

5. Why does Ethan hide outside the church when waiting for Mattie?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is ironic about Mattie's greeting when Ethan arrives home?

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

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

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

8. What is the atmosphere between Ethan and Mattie like after dinner?

9. Why is Zeena traveling to Bettsbridge?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Martin Luther said that "Thoughts pay no duty." Considering the difference between Ethan Frome's thoughts and his many actions of duty performed in the novel, write an essay in which you defend, refute or qualify Luther's quote using Ethan Frome as support for your argument.

Essay Topic 2

The New York Times said, "The secret of [Ethan Frome's] greatness is the stark human drama of it;...it is plain, raw, first-hand human stuff." In your essay, defend, refute, or qualify the Times' review, identifying the novel's significance to the human experiences of love, duty, or loss.

Essay Topic 3

Considering the author's use of irony in the novel, write an essay in which you argue for or against its effectiveness in revealing the message. Use specific examples of irony from the text as support, and evaluate the success or failure of each one in contributing to the message of the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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