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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. When Ethan returns to Mattie, he tells her _______________________________.

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

3. What does Zeena want to question Mattie about before she leaves?

4. What lie is revealed when Zeena presses Ethan to pay for a hired girl?

5. Ethan intends to hurry home for dinner so that __________________________________-.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why doesn't Ethan feel he can refuse Zeena's demand to send Mattie away?

3. Describe Mattie as the narrator sees her.

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

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

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

7. What clues does Ethan have that Zeena's return will not be a pleasant one?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the minor characters in the novel, such as Harmon Gow, Jotham Powell, Andrew Hale, or Ruth Varnum Hale, and write an essay in which you describe the influence of any minor character's actions on the events or theme of the text.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the characters of Denis Eady, Jotham Powell, and Andrew Hale. How has each of these male characters helped or harmed Ethan in his plans to find happiness with Mattie? Write an essay in which you describe each of these male characters' influence on Ethan Frome's actions in the text.

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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