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. Mattie Silver has lived with the Fromes for _______________.

2. Mattie confesses her fear that ____________________________.

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

4. Lying in bed the previous night, Ethan regretted __________________________.

5. Mattie's only skills include _______________________________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Zeena traveling to Bettsbridge?

3. Why does Ethan find Zeena's silences unsettling?

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

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

6. Why doesn't Ethan protest Zeena's costly doctor visit?

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

8. What is Ethan's reaction to finding Ned and Ruth Varnum kissing among the trees?

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

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

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

Consider Wharton's use of symbols such as the horse, the cold, and the farmhouse to establish Frome's character throughout the novel. Then write an essay in which you identify at least three symbols that represent qualities of Ethan's character.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the minor characters in the novel, such as Harmon Gow, Jotham Powell, Andrew Hale, or Ruth Varnum Hale, and write an essay in which you describe the influence of any minor character's actions on the events or theme of the text.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 755 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample