Ethan Frome Chapter 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is Ethan happily looking forward to as this chapter opens?

Zeena being gone and him being able to spend time with Mattie

In what way does the house seem different to Ethan when Zeena is away?

Ethan feels her presence is still in the house, making him uncomfortable

Why did Ethan marry Zenobia, considering he does not see to care for her now?

At the time, he did love her

Why do you suppose Ethan feels that if his mother had died in spring instead of winter, he would not have married?

Because Ethan wouldn't have been home as much; he was stuck at home in the harsh winter months/storms, so he was forced to spend more time with Zeena. Signup and view all the answers

How did Ethan and Zeena disagree about where to live when they were first married?

They weren't able to move due to Zeena being ill and the fact that they were not able to sell the farm. Signup and view all the answers

What happens within a year of Ethan and Zeena's marriage?

Zeena becomes ill Signup and view all the answers

According to the narrator, what reason does Zeena give for her failing marriage?

True Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ethan become very jealous of Denis Eady?

Because Denis drove with his father's cutter, which makes Ethan wonder if he will see Mattie. Signup and view all the answers

What contrast is made between Mattie and Zeena when Ethan returns home?

Mattie is welcoming and warm, but Zeena is dull and gloomy. Signup and view all the answers

How did Zeena treat the red pickle dish, where did it come from, and what is her expected reaction when it is broken?

She treated it as a prized possession, it was a wedding gift from Philadelphia, and Zeena will be furious. Signup and view all the answers

What is Ethan's plan for the broken dish, and how does he feel at the close of the chapter?

He tries to replace it, but then he is upset because he isn't able to. Signup and view all the answers

What is strange about the cat's behavior?

The cat was around Mattie and cuddling her while Zeena was gone. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethan Frome Chapter 4 Study Notes

Ethan looks forward to spending time with Mattie while Zeena is away, highlighting his emotional attachment to her.
The house feels different to Ethan in Zeena's absence; her lingering presence creates discomfort and a sense of isolation.
Ethan married Zeena because he initially loved her, despite their current strained relationship.
Ethan believes he might not have married Zeena if his mother had died in spring, as he wouldn’t have been confined at home during the harsh winter months, leading to more time spent together.
Disagreement over where to live arose because Zeena's illness prevented them from selling the farm; this was a source of tension early in their marriage.
Within a year of their marriage, Zeena’s health issues began to emerge, indicating a quick decline in their relationship.
Zeena cites Ethan's perceived neglect of her health as a reason for their failing marriage, raising questions about the accuracy of this accusation.
Ethan becomes jealous of Denis Eady, who drives a cutter, triggering his anxiety about Mattie's potential interactions with Denis.
Upon returning home, Mattie's warm and welcoming presence contrasts sharply with Zeena’s cold demeanor, emphasizing their opposing natures.
The red pickle dish is a cherished wedding gift from Philadelphia that symbolizes Zeena's emotional investment; its breaking is significant and will provoke a furious reaction from her.
Ethan plans to replace the broken dish but feels increasingly distressed upon realizing he cannot do so, reflecting his sense of helplessness.
The cat behaves oddly by favoring Mattie over Zeena, which symbolizes the emotional divide between the characters and adds tension to the household dynamic.

Description

Test your knowledge on Chapter 4 of 'Ethan Frome' with these flashcards. Discover Ethan's feelings and the dynamics of his relationships as Zeena is away. Challenge yourself to recall key elements of the chapter's themes and character motivations.