Ethan Frome - by Edith Wharton - Quiz

What season is depicted in the opening passage?

• Spring

• Summer

• Fall

• Winter

Answer explanation

The opening passage describes characteristics typical of winter, such as cold temperatures and possibly snow, which clearly indicates that the season depicted is winter.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does Ethan observe about the night's atmosphere?

• It was humid and foggy

• It was windy and harsh

• It was dry and pure with little cold sensation

• It was rainy and bitter cold

Answer explanation

Ethan notes that the atmosphere is dry and pure, indicating a clear night with minimal humidity or coldness, which aligns with the correct choice. The other options suggest conditions that contradict his observation.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

What interrupted Ethan's college education?

• His lack of interest in studies

• Financial difficulties

• His father's death and subsequent misfortunes

• His marriage to Zeena

Answer explanation

Ethan's college education was interrupted primarily due to his father's death, which led to a series of misfortunes that affected his ability to continue his studies.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

Where is Ethan standing while observing the dance?

• Inside the church basement

• At the main entrance

• Outside the window in the darkness

• On the church steps

Answer explanation

Ethan is standing outside the window in the darkness, allowing him to observe the dance without being seen, which aligns with the correct answer choice.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

What type of dance is being performed when Ethan watches?

• Waltz

• Virginia reel

• Square dance

• Polka

Answer explanation

Ethan is watching a Virginia reel, which is a traditional folk dance characterized by its lively movements and participation of multiple couples. The other options, while also dances, do not match the description of what he observes.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.1

Who is Denis Eady?

• The church minister

• Ethan's best friend

• The son of an ambitious Irish grocer

• The local doctor

Answer explanation

Denis Eady is identified as the son of an ambitious Irish grocer, which highlights his background and family ties, distinguishing him from other roles like a church minister or local doctor.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

What is Mattie Silver's relationship to Ethan's household?

• She is Zeena's paid servant

• She is Ethan's sister

• She is Zeena's cousin who works without pay

• She is a local villager who helps occasionally

Answer explanation

Mattie Silver is Zeena's cousin who helps in the household without pay. This relationship highlights her role as part of the family dynamic, contrasting with the other options that misrepresent her position.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

What does Ethan particularly enjoy about his walks with Mattie?

• The opportunity to gossip about villagers

• The chance to escape his work

• Their shared appreciation of nature and learning

• The exercise it provides

Answer explanation

Ethan enjoys his walks with Mattie primarily for their shared appreciation of nature and learning, which deepens their connection and enriches their experiences together.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

What recent change in Ethan's behavior has Zeena noticed?

• He works longer hours

• He shaves every morning

• He eats less at meals

• He sleeps later

Answer explanation

Zeena has noticed that Ethan has started shaving every morning, which indicates a change in his self-care habits and possibly reflects a shift in his overall attitude or mood.

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.4

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

How does Zeena typically express her observations?

• Through immediate confrontation

• Through emotional outbursts

• Through delayed, casual remarks

• Through written notes

Answer explanation

Zeena typically expresses her observations through delayed, casual remarks, reflecting her tendency to avoid direct confrontation or emotional outbursts, which aligns with her character's subtle communication style.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3