Ethan Frome Chapters 4-6 Review

Questions and Answers

What does Ethan imagine a night without Zeena will be like?

He expects to have the perfect night alone with Mattie.

Why does Ethan feel indebted to Zeena?

She helped nurse his mother.

How has Zeena changed over the years?

She has become less lively and started becoming 'sick'.

What happens when Ethan visits Andrew Hale?

Andrew Hale does not give Ethan money. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mattie so upset over the broken pickle dish?

She wanted to have a good night and knows Zeena will be upset. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ethan remember he and Mattie were to do the evening that Zeena was gone?

They were supposed to go sledding. Signup and view all the answers

How does Ethan feel the morning after his evening with Mattie?

He is in a cheerful mood. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jotham's reaction to the dinner invitation?

He never turns down free food. Signup and view all the answers

What similarities exist between Zeena and Mattie coming to Starkfield?

Both of them came to help someone's health. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ethan dislike Zeena's expeditions?

They are expensive. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Ethan relieved when Zeena announces her trip?

He gets to be alone with Mattie. Signup and view all the answers

What excuse does Ethan make for not driving Zeena to the Flats?

He says he has to collect money from Andrew Hale. Signup and view all the answers

What holds Ethan's attention while in bed?

He realizes he does not get to touch Mattie. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Ethan regretful about the excuse he uses as to why he can't take Zeena to the Flats?

He does not have the money to show for it. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'inarticulate' mean?

Not able to express oneself easily. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'loitering' mean?

Idle lingering. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'pathological' mean?

Having to deal with disease. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'retort' mean?

Sharp answer. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'conformity' mean?

Behavior in accordance with customs and rules. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'countenance' mean?

Face. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'scant' mean?

Small, meager. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'solace' mean?

Comfort. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'perfunctory' mean?

Indifferent. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'loath' mean?

Unwilling. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'stoicism' mean?

Indifferent to pleasure or pain. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethan Frome: Chapters 4-6 Key Points

Ethan imagines a perfect night alone with Mattie, dreaming of the freedom from Zeena's presence.
He feels indebted to Zeena because she cared for his sick mother, creating a sense of loyalty.
Over the years, Zeena has become increasingly lifeless and has adopted a role of chronic illness.
Ethan visits Andrew Hale but receives no money from him, adding to his financial struggles.
Mattie is distressed about breaking the pickle dish, knowing it symbolizes Zeena's anger and the importance of a good evening.
Ethan and Mattie had intended to go sledding the evening Zeena would be away, representing a moment of potential joy.
After spending the evening with Mattie, Ethan feels cheerful, a contrast to his usual somber mood.
Jotham is bemused by Ethan's dinner invitation, as he never declines the chance for free food.
Both Zeena and Mattie came to Starkfield with the intent to assist someone with health issues, illustrating a recurring theme of care.
Ethan despises Zeena's medical appointments due to the expensive nature of her treatments.
He feels relieved at the announcement of Zeena's trip, eager for a chance to spend time with Mattie.
Ethan uses an excuse about collecting money from Andrew Hale to avoid driving Zeena to the Flats, reflecting his inner conflict.
In bed, Ethan is preoccupied with the realization that he cannot physically connect with Mattie, showcasing his longing.
He regrets his excuse for not taking Zeena to the Flats because he lacks the money he claimed to be collecting, leading to feelings of guilt.

Vocabulary Terms

Inarticulate: Difficulty expressing oneself, highlighting communication struggles.
Loitering: Idly lingering, suggesting aimless behavior.
Pathological: Relating to disease, emphasizing Zeena's health issues.
Retort: A sharp or witty reply, represents the tense interactions among characters.
Conformity: Adhering to societal norms, illustrating the pressures faced by Ethan.
Countenance: Refers to facial expression, often reflecting inner thoughts and emotions.
Scant: Indicates meagerness, often relating to resources.
Solace: A source of comfort, a fleeting feeling for Ethan amidst chaos.
Perfunctory: Describes indifference, reflecting characters' emotional states.
Loath: Expresses reluctance, showcasing Ethan's inner conflicts.
Stoicism: The ability to remain indifferent to pleasure or pain, relevant to Ethan’s struggles.

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Description

This quiz focuses on chapters 4 to 6 of 'Ethan Frome' by Edith Wharton. Test your knowledge of Ethan's feelings towards Zeena and Mattie, as well as the changes in their characters over time. Perfect for preparing for discussions or exams on these chapters!