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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 is unpleasantly surprised when his wife notices __________________________________.

2. As Ethan walks through the trees he passes _______________________________.

3. Ethan enjoys following Zeena's orders at first because ___________________________________________.

4. Zeena believes Mattie will leave soon because ______________________________.

5. Zeena's family gave Mattie ____________________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Why is Zeena traveling to Bettsbridge?

6. In what way does Ethan finally attempt a physical connection between himself and Mattie?

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

8. Describe Zeena Frome.

9. Why does Ethan give up on the hope of money from Andrew Hale?

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

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.

Essay Topic 2

Considering the roles available to women in the novel, write an essay in which you analyze the effect of any female character's actions on major events. Determine whether the character is responsible for her actions, or whether her role has dictated the outcome of events.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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