1. Ethan Frome Discussion Questions

2. 3 rd Quarter Journal #1 ½ page: A new student comes to Mira Costa and happens to have several classes with you. Rather than talk to you directly, they ask fellow classmates what you’re like as a person because they find you mysterious and intriguing. What do the classmates tell the new student about you? ½ page: A new student comes to Mira Costa and happens to have several classes with you. Rather than talk to you directly, they ask fellow classmates what you’re like as a person because they find you mysterious and intriguing. What do the classmates tell the new student about you?

3. Discussion Questions: Prologue Describe Ethan Frome as he is first seen by the narrator. How does this description create interest in his character? Describe Ethan Frome as he is first seen by the narrator. How does this description create interest in his character?

4. Discussion Questions: Prologue What metaphors does the narrator use to describe winter in Starkfield? How does this contribute to the tone and setting? What metaphors does the narrator use to describe winter in Starkfield? How does this contribute to the tone and setting?

5. Discussion Questions: Prologue Why has Ethan remained in Starkfield? What more are we able to learn about Ethan during the narrator’s daily rides with him? Why has Ethan remained in Starkfield? What more are we able to learn about Ethan during the narrator’s daily rides with him?

6. Discussion Questions: Prologue Why is Wharton’s story and style so simple and stark? Why is her use of the narrator justified? Why is Wharton’s story and style so simple and stark? Why is her use of the narrator justified?

7. Discussion Questions: Prologue Describe Ethan Frome’s house as seen by the narrator. What insight does it give us into the setting and the characters? Describe Ethan Frome’s house as seen by the narrator. What insight does it give us into the setting and the characters?

8. Vocabulary words to know: Taciturn- quiet; not talkative Taciturn- quiet; not talkative Preclude- prevent; exclude Preclude- prevent; exclude Reticent-restrained; reserved; reluctant Reticent-restrained; reserved; reluctant Innocuous- harmless; having no adverse effect Innocuous- harmless; having no adverse effect Querulous- complaining; expressing grievance Querulous- complaining; expressing grievance