Name _________________________________ Date ________________ Period ______
Ethan Frome Study Guide
Answer the following questions on separate, lined paper in complete sentences. Be sure to
restate the question in your answer. Some answers may require more than one sentence.
Prologue pp. 11-26
1. Write a brief summary of the prologue (2-3 sentences.)
2. What does the name Starkfield suggest about the setting?
3. Describe the narrator. What is the narrator’s occupation? Why did Wharton have the
narrator say that he “began to piece together this vision” (rather than “version”) of Frome’s
story?
4. Why are Herman Gow and Mrs. Ned Hale important to the story?
Chapter 1 pp. 27-36
1. Write a brief summary of this chapter (2-3 sentences.)
2. Define foreshadowing. Since we know from the Prologue that the novel involves a
tragedy, what foreshadowing devices has the author used? How is the setting itself
foreshadowing? (Think about symbolism.)
Chapter 2 pp. 37-47
1. Write a brief summary of this chapter (2-3 sentences.)
2. How does Ethan reveal that he feels ambivalent toward Mattie? (He loves Mattie yet he
knows he hasn’t the “right” to acknowledge it.)
3. What foreshadowing is used in this chapter?
4. How is Ethan’s conflict between his feelings for Mattie and those for Zeena voiced?
5. Why is the missing door key significant?
6. How are Mattie and Zeena contrasted physically?
Chapter 3 pp. 49-55
1. Write a brief summary of this chapter (2-3 sentences.)
2. How are Mattie and Zeena contrasted psychologically?
3. How is Ethan’s conflict intensified in this chapter?
Chapter 4 pp. 57-71
1. Write a brief summary of this chapter (2-3 sentences.)
2. What traits in Ethan’s character are emphasized in this chapter?
3. Note Wharton’s use of descriptive language in this chapter, particularly adjectives
referring to color. Why are they significant?
Chapter 5 pp. 73-79
1. Write a brief summary of this chapter (2-3 sentences.)
2. What basic difference between Ethan and Mattie is highlighted in this chapter?
Chapter 6 pp. 81-85
1. Write a brief summary of this chapter (2-3 sentences.)
2. How has the evening without Zeena altered Ethan’s perception of his daily routine?
Chapter 7 pp. 87-101
1. Write a brief summary of this chapter (2-3 sentences.)
2. How does Zeena’s news about hiring Mattie’s replacement affect Ethan?
3. Why can this chapter be considered the climax of the novel? Be specific.
Chapter 8 pp. 103-113
1. Write a brief summary of this chapter (2-3 sentences.)
2. In this chapter, Ethan weighs his options. How is his decision to maintain the status quo
in keeping with his personality?
3. Why does Ethan not consider his obligation to Mattie? What will his decision to remain
with Zeena do to Mattie? Is this fair?
4. How do Wharton’s descriptions mirror Ethan’s state of mind and foreshadow the end?
Chapter 9 pp. 115-140
1. Write a brief summary of this chapter (2-3 sentences.)
2. How is Zeena’s reaction to Mattie’s departure a contrast to Ethan’s? What does Zeena’s
behavior reveal about her illness?
3. Why is it ironic that Ethan defies Zeena’s command to stay home and let Jotham drive
Mattie to the station?
4. Why does suicide seem logical? Is this decision a solution or a “cop-out”?
5. What is surprising about the “querulous droning” the narrator hears as he enters the
Frome house on page 134?
6. At the end of the novel, the narrator steps aside and lets Mrs. Hale fill in the facts and
interpret the tragedy. What is ironic about her interpretation?