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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. Mattie's only skills include _______________________________________.

2. Zeena finally stopped criticizing Mattie when __________________________________.

3. What is happening at the church at midnight?

4. Zeena's cat ____________________________.

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Describe the overall mood of Chapter 1.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider Zeena's sickness in the novel as symbolic of her personality or intentions. Write an essay in which you consider the symbolic meaning of Zeena's sickness in the novel, and discuss its significance to the theme 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

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.

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