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

2. Who confesses the truth about the broken dish?

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

4. In his anguish, Ethan finds the nerve to _____________________.

5. Ethan hopes that the bad roads or a late train might cause him to __________________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Describe Mattie as the narrator sees her.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

Many images and ideas in Ethan Frome reflect isolation and disconnection for the main characters. Considering these ideas, write an essay in which you use examples of isolation and disconnection to explore, explain, rationalize, or defend any character's actions throughout the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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