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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. What details does the narrator provide about the Fromes?

2. When Zeena suggests that Mattie has "taken from her" the one she cared about most of all, she is referring to _____________________________.

3. Why does Mrs. Hale only visit the Fromes twice a year?

4. The day's bad weather foreshadows _________________________.

5. As they head into town, Ethan points out ____________________________________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What prevents Jotham from staying for dinner as he usually does, and why does this bother Ethan?

2. Why is Mattie forced to move her trunk by herself until Ethan comes to help her?

3. What is the one rebellion Ethan finally allows himself?

4. Describe Mattie as the narrator sees her.

5. What generally happens when Ethan tries to be dishonest?

6. What inspires Ethan to try to leave Zeena?

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

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

9. What do Ethan and Mattie wish for, rather than living apart?

10. What reason does Ethan give Mattie for Zeena sending her away?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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