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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. Zeena is described as an old woman, although she is ____________________________.

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

3. Zeena's family is offended by Mattie's father because _______________________________________.

4. Who visited Mattie while Ethan was away during the day?

5. Ethan claims he needs to collect money from Mr. Hale because ____________________________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Describe Zeena Frome.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the importance of duty and appearance affect the events and theme of Ethan Frome? Write an essay in which you choose three examples from the text that suggest an event or theme is affected by duty and appearance.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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