View a FREE sample

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 do not go sledding that evening because ___________________________.

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

3. While Ethan warms himself by the stove, Mattie _______________________.

4. Why is Zeena still awake when Ethan and Mattie arrive at home?

5. Which of her partners offers Mattie a ride home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What images might foreshadow trouble or death in the chapter?

2. Why has Zeena stayed up waiting for Ethan and Mattie?

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

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

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

6. What was Ethan doing before he returned to Starkfield?

7. Describe the overall mood of Chapter 1.

8. Why is Ethan afraid to be alone on the farm?

9. Why does Zeena's family refuse to help Mattie when her father dies?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Considering the major characters of the novel, determine any character as sympathetic, and write an essay in which you defend your choice using specific examples from the text. Then, do the same with an unsympathetic character.

Essay Topic 2

Hal Borland said, "No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn." Consdering this quote, write an essay in which you argue whether or not Ethan's symbolic "winter" has lasted forever, or whether spring has come to him in any way. Use specific examples to support your text.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 773 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample