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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 invites Jotham to dinner because _______________________________________.

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

3. Ethan's defeat is reflected in his ________________________________________________.

4. In his hurry to get be in the house with Mattie, Ethan neglects ________________________________.

5. Ethan recalls that Mattie's few belongings had _____________________________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How do Zeena and Mattie get along after the accident?

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

6. Why does Ethan perceive himself as impotent in his situation?

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

8. Describe Mattie as the narrator sees her.

9. What is significant about Zeena's behavior that day?

10. Why does Ruth Hale believe Ethan Frome suffers so badly?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Is Ethan Frome the hero of his own story? Considering his actions and motivations, write an essay in which you determine whether or not Ethan Frome is a heroic character.

Essay Topic 3

Martin Luther said that "Thoughts pay no duty." Considering the difference between Ethan Frome's thoughts and his many actions of duty performed in the novel, write an essay in which you defend, refute or qualify Luther's quote using Ethan Frome as support for your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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