Questions and Answers
What does Ethan find Zenna doing?
Sitting by the window in her travelling dress.
What usually follows Zeena's refusal to eat?
Her coming down and eating anyway.
How does Wharton describe Zeena?
As possessing an air of authority.
What word does Zeena use to describe her health?
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What emotion is Ethan moved by when he sees Zeena?
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What is Zeena's response to doctors' suggestions regarding her health?
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How does Ethan perceive Zeena's tone?
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What does Zeena claim the doctor has ordered her to do?
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What emotion does Ethan feel over his argument with Zeena?
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What lie is revealed when Zeena presses Ethan to pay for a hired girl?
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What does Zeena claim about the need for a hired girl?
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For Ethan, Zeena personifies what?
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What does Ethan tell Mattie when he returns to her?
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In his anguish, what does Ethan find the nerve to do?
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How does Zeena find the broken pickle dish?
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Why isn't Zeena fooled by Ethan's claim that the cat broke the dish?
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Who confesses the truth about the broken dish?
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When Zeena suggests that Mattie has 'taken from her' the one she cared about most, who is she referring to?
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Study Notes
Ethan Frome Chapter 7 Study Notes
- Ethan finds Zeena seated by the window, dressed in her traveling attire, suggesting a sense of readiness or departure.
- Zeena's pattern of refusing food is typically followed by her eating anyway, showcasing her contradictory nature.
- The author portrays Zeena with an air of authority, emphasizing her assertiveness and control in the household.
- Zeena describes her health issues using the term "complications," indicating a complex and serious condition.
- Ethan feels a deep sense of compassion for Zeena upon seeing her, illustrating his conflicted emotional state.
- Despite doctors' recommendations, Zeena opposes the idea of undergoing surgery, showing her stubbornness.
- Ethan interprets Zeena's tone as "dryly resolute," indicating her unwavering stance on her decisions.
- Zeena claims that the doctor has instructed her to hire a girl to assist her, highlighting her reliance on external help.
- Ethan grapples with feelings of shame after arguing with Zeena, reflecting his internal struggles and sense of failure.
- A lie surfaces when Zeena pushes Ethan to pay for the hired girl, revealing his lack of funds from Mr. Hale.
- Zeena's claim of needing a hired girl serves as a reason for sending Mattie away, intensifying the tension.
- For Ethan, Zeena embodies failure and humiliation, burdening him with resentment and despair.
- Ethan tells Mattie that she must leave the following day, indicating a decisive and painful choice.
- In a moment of desperation, Ethan finds the courage to kiss Mattie, expressing his deep emotional connection.
- Zeena discovers the broken pickle dish while searching for stomach powders, symbolizing disruption in their lives.
- Zeena is not deceived by Ethan’s claim that the cat broke the dish because it had been carefully reassembled, highlighting her perceptiveness.
- Mattie eventually confesses to the truth about the broken dish, taking responsibility and deepening the conflict.
- When Zeena suggests that Mattie has taken away what she cares about most, she is referring to Ethan, revealing her possessiveness.
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Description
This quiz focuses on key concepts and vocabulary from Chapter 7 of 'Ethan Frome' by Edith Wharton. It will help you understand the character dynamics and important themes presented in this chapter. Use these flashcards to reinforce your knowledge and prepare for exams.
