View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What details does the narrator provide about the Fromes?

2. How has Zeena changed since the accident?

3. Ethan senses something went wrong with Zeena because _______________________________.

4. Ethan invites Jotham to dinner because _______________________________________.

5. What solution does Mattie propose to their situation?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What reason does Ethan give Mattie for Zeena sending her away?

7. What inspires Ethan to try to leave Zeena?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Considering the images of small town life Wharton creates in Ethan Frome, write an essay in which you argue for or against the promises and limitations of small town life exhibited in Starkfield. Use at least three characters or events as examples for your argument.

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

The New York Times said, "The secret of [Ethan Frome's] greatness is the stark human drama of it;...it is plain, raw, first-hand human stuff." In your essay, defend, refute, or qualify the Times' review, identifying the novel's significance to the human experiences of love, duty, or loss.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 875 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample