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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's cat ____________________________.

2. Ethan returns home early because ___________________________________________.

3. How is the pickle dish broken?

4. Mattie confesses her fear that ____________________________.

5. Wharton compares Mattie's hair to "a drift of mist on the moon," which suggests ___________________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Ethan mention to Mattie that he saw Ned and Ruth kissing earlier?

3. What does Ethan allow himself to fantasize about during his walk home with Mattie?

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

5. Why is Ethan concerned about Zeena's behavior toward himself and Mattie?

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

7. Why is Zeena traveling to Bettsbridge?

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

9. Why is Mattie upset to learn that the Fromes expect her to leave them someday?

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

Consider the characters of Denis Eady, Jotham Powell, and Andrew Hale. How has each of these male characters helped or harmed Ethan in his plans to find happiness with Mattie? Write an essay in which you describe each of these male characters' influence on Ethan Frome's actions in the text.

Essay Topic 2

Considering the contrasting motifs of cold and warmth or light and darkness, write an essay in which you explore the significance of Wharton's motif to the theme of her novel. Use specific examples of the motifs as support for your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Characters in Ethan Frome are faced with the manipulation and motivations of others throughout the text. Choose the character you believe is most effected by others' manipulations and motivations, and write an essay supporting your argument. Use specific examples from the text to help support your point.

(see the answer keys)

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