Ethan Frome Chapter 3 Study Guide

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Questions and Answers

Where does Ethan do his clearest thinking?

At the mill

What does Ethan regret at the beginning of the chapter?

Not kissing Mattie

Why does Zeena believe that Mattie enjoys living in Starkfield?

She has nowhere else to go

Why is Zeena's family offended by Mattie's father?

He didn't have any money Signup and view all the answers

What are Mattie's skills mentioned in this chapter?

She can trim a hat, make molasses candy, recite 'Curfew Shall Not Ring Tonight', and play 'The Lost Chord' and pot-poum from 'Carmen' Signup and view all the answers

What happened when Mattie tried stenography and bookkeeping?

Her health broke down Signup and view all the answers

What does Zeena's family give Mattie?

Advice Signup and view all the answers

Why do the Fromes take Mattie into their home?

To take care of Zeena Signup and view all the answers

When does Zeena finally stop criticizing Mattie?

Pure air and long summer hours made her relax Signup and view all the answers

What is Ethan's mood since the following night?

Expectant Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ethan return home early?

To spend time with Mattie Signup and view all the answers

How does Ethan know that Zeena has made plans?

She is all dressed up Signup and view all the answers

Why has Zeena packed her bag?

She is going to spend the night with her Aunt Martha Pierce and see the new doctor Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ethan dread Zeena's visits to the doctor?

They cost a lot Signup and view all the answers

What does Zeena ask Ethan that involves Jotham Powell?

To drive her to catch the train Signup and view all the answers

What is Zeena's actual age?

35 Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason Ethan gives for needing to collect money from Mr. Hale?

So he didn't have to take Zeena Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ethan immediately regret telling Zeena about collecting the money from Mr. Hale?

Then she would think that they had more money for her doctor's appointment than they actually did Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethan Frome Chapter 3 Study Notes

Ethan's clearest thinking occurs at the mill, serving as his refuge from domestic pressures.
At the chapter's start, Ethan expresses regret for not kissing Mattie, highlighting his emotional struggles.
Zeena suspects Mattie enjoys Starkfield because she has no alternative living situation.
Mattie's father's lack of financial stability offends Zeena's family, illustrating social class tensions.
Mattie possesses various skills, including hat trimming, making molasses candy, reciting poetry, and playing musical pieces from "Carmen".
Mattie's attempts at stenography and bookkeeping were unsuccessful due to her declining health.
Zeena’s family offers Mattie advice, reflecting their involvement in her life.
The Fromes took Mattie in primarily to help care for Zeena, revealing their sense of duty and compassion.
Zeena reduces her criticism of Mattie when the pure air and summer's warmth help her to relax.
Ethan feels expectant following the previous night's interactions, showing a shift in his mood.
He returns home early to spend quality time with Mattie, indicating his deepening affection.
Ethan notes Zeena’s dressed-up appearance as an indication that she has made plans for the evening.
Zeena plans to visit Aunt Martha Pierce and consult a new doctor, showing concern for her health.
Ethan dreads Zeena's doctor's visits due to the financial burden they represent.
Zeena requests Ethan to drive her to the train station to meet Jotham Powell, orchestrating her travel plans.
Zeena's actual age is revealed to be 35, countering any perception of her as much older.
Ethan justifies collecting money from Mr. Hale as a means to avoid taking Zeena to the doctor, revealing financial constraints.
After informing Zeena of his intent to collect money, Ethan regrets the decision, fearing she may misunderstand their financial situation regarding her medical expenses.

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Description

This quiz focuses on key concepts and events from Chapter 3 of 'Ethan Frome'. It highlights Ethan’s thoughts, regrets, and the dynamics between him, Mattie, and Zeena. Test your understanding of the chapter's themes and character relationships.