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

2. Ethan returns home to find _____________________________________.

3. When Ethan sees Zeena he is moved by what emotion?

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

5. Whose presence at breakfast compels Ethan to hide his happiness at being alone with Mattie?

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

3. What are Ethan and Mattie finally free to speak about openly now that Mattie is leaving?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the motifs of brokenness, sickness, and injury in Ethan Frome. Write an essay in which you explain the significance of any one of these motifs to the theme or message of the novel.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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