Show:
Who said that?
Symbolism
Themes
Trivia
Trivia pt.2
100
"I'm not crazy; but I will be if I leave you"
What is Mattie Silver
100
Which character does the cat symbolize?
What is Zeena Frome
100
Describe Ethan's feelings of entrapment and isolation, and why he would feel this way
What is Ethan feels that he is entrapped by his unhappy marriage to Zeena, and he cannot get out of it due to his lack of money and Zeena being to sick to make it on her own. He feels isolated from most people, except for Mattie who he can freely talk to, and is extremely shy.
100
What is the name of Ethan's hometown and what part of the country is this fictional town in?
What is Starkfield, New England
100
What season does "Ethan Frome" take place in?
What is Winter
200
"We can fetch it; I know we can fetch it"
What is Ethan Frome
200
What does the color red in the novel represent? (Mattie's red scarf and red ribbon in her hair)
What is the passion that Ethan feels for her. The color red also makes her stand out from the crowd, confirming Ethan's belief that she is exceptional
200
Explain the theme of reality vs. illusion in the novel.
What is Ethan lives in his own world, often day dreaming. It is easier for him to imagine a world where him and Mattie can be together happily, than for him to except the truth that he is stuck with Zeena. -Chapter 5 Ethan day dreams as if Mattie is his wife and that it is their home together when Zeena is away for the night, even though nothing really physically happened between them -Chapter 8 Ethan still believes that somehow he can get away with Mattie, and even begins to try and get Mr. Hale to give him his money in advance. It is crushing to him when reality begins to hit. -Chapter 9 Ethan and Mattie both are not being realistic when deciding to commit suicide by crashing their sled into the elm tree.
200
Why does the narrator have to stay at Ethan Frome's house?
What is a snowstorm
200
What does Mattie make for dinner when Zeena is away?
What is Pickles and Doughnuts
300
"There are things in that book that I don't know the first word about"
What is Ethan Frome
300
What does the breaking of the pickle dish symbolize?
What is the "breaking" of Zeena and Ethan's marriage
300
How does the theme of duty vs. happiness align with Ethan's situation?
What is Throughout Ethan's whole life he has had many duties that have taken a toll on his happiness, such as leaving college after his father passed away to take care of the farm, staying and taking care of his mother, and staying and taking care of Zeena, even though he is very unhappy being married to her.
300
What is taking place at the church hall in chapter 1?
What is a dance
300
Where does Ethan dream of leaving with Mattie to?
What is out West
400
"It's bad enough to see the two women sitting there- but his face, when he looks around that bare place. just kills me"
What is Mrs. Ned Hale
400
Which animal is often used when describing Mattie?
What is bird
400
What makes Ethan a tragic hero?
What is Ethan is a very intelligent (yet uneducated) and caring person. He had sacrificed his own happiness and schooling to take care of both his mother and Zeena. Yet he makes a big mistake when deciding to end his life with Mattie, which does not go as planned and he has to suffer as a somewhat "punishment" for the rest of his life.
400
Who has a romantic interest in Mattie? (other than Ethan)
What is Denis Eady
400
Who does Zeena want to drive Mattie to the train?
What is Jotham Powell
500
"Guess he's been in Starkfield too many winters, most of the smart ones get away"
What is Harmon Gow
500
What is the cucumber vine a symbol of?
What is death... when placed on the door it is also a sexual symbol, showing that Ethan's sexual attraction to Zeena is "dead"
500
The novel explores the theme of fate vs. free will. Explain how this has effected Ethan.
What is Throughout Ethan's life he has had many bad things happen to him that are not based on his bad decisions, but rather fate, such as the passing of his parents, his farm being infertile, and Zeena's sickliness. Also his lack of courage to do as he pleases, keeps him rooted into these situations
500
With whom does the narrator lodge with?
What is Mrs. Ned Hale
500
Whose name does Ethan see on a tombstone in the family graveyard?
What is his own