Ethan Frome: Introduction and Prologue Questions
Introduction:
1. State the Author’s purpose in writing the novel
2. According to the author how will the theme of the novel be treated?
3. Identify the author’s analogy to “granite outcroppings” quote one description
regarding these outcroppings
4. From whom will the narrator receive information about this tale? Report two
reasons for the author’s choice of this method
5. Identify the point of view of the narrator
Prologue:
6. Characterize Ethan, both physically and emotionally
7. At the time of the “smash-up” twenty-four years, how old was Ethan?
8. How is the name of the town symbolic of life there?
9. Identify the following and include one fact or characteristic about each:
a. Mrs. .Ned Hale
b. Lawyer Varnum
c. Denis Eady
d. Zeena
10. Ethan’s “outer situation and inner needs” are contrasted by the narrator. To what
is the narrator referring
How does Ethan feel about his interrupted college studies?
11. The landscape seems to have a personality of its own. Quote at least two
examples
12. Ethan’s house is one of “plaintive ugliness.” Quote or list conditions that
contribute to that picture
13. How does the structure of Ethan’s house reflect Ethan physically?
Ethan Frome-Chapter One
1. State one major aspect of the atmosphere?
2. Report the contrasts between the “pure and frosty” night and the activities in the
church
3. State the additional aspects of Eady’s character/ personality which are presented
Why does Ethan dislike him?
4. Explain Mattie Silver’s presence in the Frome household
5. Explain this statement regarding Ethan: “He had reached the point of wishing that
Starkfield might give all its nights to revelry”
6. In what two ways is Mattie contrasted to Zeena?
7. Ethan and Mattie share responsiveness to nature. Quote some of these natural
occurrences
8. Report two of Zeena’s actions that may indicate her growing suspicion and
concern about Ethan’s interest in Mattie
Ethan Frome- Chapter Two
1. What effect does Mattie’s personality have on Ethan?
What other personality trait of hers confuses him, however?
2. The spruces at the Varnum recur in sconces with Mattie. Quote the references.
3. Mattie admits that Zeena “ain’t suited” with Mattie’s work. In addition to the fact
that Mattie may he ineffectual, what else might cause Zeena’s attitude or opinion?
4. Why are Ethan’s present feelings about the gravestones contrasted to his feelings
of the past?
5. Report Ethan’s fantasies
6. Quote the description of Zeena’s face as she holds the lamp.
Report or quote Ethan’s reaction to this sight
Ethan Frome- Chapter Three
1. Explain the symbolism of the light of Mattie’s candle and the darkness of the
Frome’s room
2. Explain this quote “the clan instantly saw the chance of exacting a comprehension
from Mattie”
3. Why does Ethan feel a dread in Zeena’s silence on this particular morning?
4. Is Zeena’s sudden decision to see a new doctor unusual? Explain
Why does Ethan both dread and welcome her decision?
5. How does Ethan excuse his not driving Zeena to the Flat’s
Ethan Frome-Chapter Four “Not so long”
1. Explain the paradox in this quote: “The kitchen was a poor place, not a
spruce….what a homelike look the mere fact of Zeena’s absence gave in”
2. Report Ethan’s fantasy about the kitchen
3. The flashback further develops Ethan’s nature and behavior. Describe his nature,
and report one explanation for his behavior
4. How does Zeena’s arrival affect Ethan? What action does he take?
5. Analyze Ethan’s motives for remaining on the farm and his assumption about
Zeena.
6. How have the situations of his farm life and home life affected Ethan?
7. Ironically, Ethan stops listening to Zeena on the occasions when is talkative.
Quote his reasoning for his behavior. What does he mean?
8. Quote Ethan’s description of Zeena’s “deliberately assumed” silences.
Ethan relates Zeena’s silence of the previous evening in one of those silences
quoted above. What might she be suspicious or resentful about?
9. How do Ruth and Ned contrast to Ethan and Mattie?
10. As Ethan heads toward the farm, how does the atmosphere reflect his feelings?
11. Ethan’s actions and Mattie’s appearance at the door contrast to events of the
previous evening. Explain
12. Zeena’s cat is intrusive and also symbolic. What are its actions and what do they
symbolize
13. What causes Mattie’s concern about the broken pickle dish?
14. Why does Ethan feel “a thrilling sense of mastery”?
Ethan Frome Chapter Five
1. What topics do Ethan and Mattie discuss during the evening?
2. Describe the atmosphere of this chapter.
3. What “strange” thing does Ethan do?
4. What does Ethan realize at the end of the chapter?
Ethan Frome Chapter Six
1. How does Ethan feel the next day?
2. What events hinder Ethan from getting the glue?
3. What surprise awaits Ethan on his return?
4. Why does Ethan want Jotham Powell to stay for dinner?
Ethan Frome Chapter Seven
1. Explain the “trap” Zeena sets for Ethan and how he falls for it.
2. How does Ethan feel during this argument?
3. How does Ethan break the news to Mattie?
4. What does Ethan fear will happen to Mattie?
5. How does Ethan act when she comes down? Why?
6. Explain the significance of Zeena’s speech at the end of Chapter VII.
Ethan Frome Chapter Eight
1. What are Ethan’s thoughts while he is in his “study”?
2. What confirms for Ethan Zeena’s decision to send Mattie away?
3. What is Zeena’s mood?
4. How does Zeena treat Mattie?
5. What does Ethan go to town?
6. What happens when he gets there?
7. In a complete paragraph, explain Ethan’s quandry (about leaving) and state
what you think makes his leaving impossible.