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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 new clues indicate Zeena's continued satisfaction over her victory?

2. Before they strike the elm, Ethan has a last vision of __________________________.

3. Wharton describes Zeena as possessing an air of ___________________.

4. Ethan believes the elm ________________________________.

5. Why is the lumber especially hard for Ethan to load?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ethan claim about the state of his marriage in the letter to Zeena, and what does this show about Ethan's character?

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

3. What might the weather foreshadow about Ethan's plans for the day?

4. What has given Zeena a new air of authority?

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

6. In what way would Ethan have "lived" if Mattie had died, according to Mrs. Hale?

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

8. How is Ethan once again annoyed by Denis Eady in Chapter 6?

9. What inspires Ethan to try to leave Zeena?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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