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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 senses something went wrong with Zeena because _______________________________.

2. What pleasure do Mattie and Ethan allow themselves before the train comes?

3. Ethan feels his misery is mocked by ________________________________.

4. What word does Zeena use to describe the state of her health?

5. As he prepares the sorrel, Ethan remembers ______________________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Ethan ashamed of his and Zeena's behavior in their room?

2. How does Mrs. Hale suggest the Fromes in the graveyard are different from the Fromes up at the farm?

3. Aside from Mattie, where does Ethan continue to find inspiration and beauty?

4. How does Ethan's perception of Zeena change during their argument?

5. What is Zeena's true purpose in hiring a girl to take care of her and their home?

6. Who finally takes action to determine the outcome of Ethan and Mattie's situation?

7. What does Zeena's continued good mood show about her character?

8. What inspires Ethan to try to leave Zeena?

9. What does Zeena spend her time doing since the accident?

10. Describe Mattie as the narrator sees her.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Whose fault is the eventual state of the Fromes? Write an essay in which you consider the final state of the Fromes, financially, socially, and emotionally speaking, and determine one character who is ultimately at fault for their decline. Use specific examples from the text to support your argument.

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

The New York Times said, "The secret of [Ethan Frome's] greatness is the stark human drama of it;...it is plain, raw, first-hand human stuff." In your essay, defend, refute, or qualify the Times' review, identifying the novel's significance to the human experiences of love, duty, or loss.

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This section contains 747 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample