Chapter 6 questions

11. Ethan has not forgotten to look for glue with which to repair the broken pickle dish before Zeena arrives home. He meets Denis Eady who looks for the glue in his father's shop and is unable to find any. Suppose you are Denis Eady and are suspicious of the relationship between Ethan and Mattie. Complete the following dialogue you would have with a friend if you were Denis:

Denis: He's a quiet one, that Ethan. But we all know that "still waters run deep." I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him. And poor Mattie has to live in that house with him and that witch of a wife he has.
Friend: Yes, that he is. I just know that boy is up to no good. I'm telling you something suspicious is going on with Ethan and Mattie. I see the way they look at each other. Its no telling what is going on between them but I'm sure that Zeena isn't to happy about it. That boy is gonna get himself in a heap of trouble.
Denis: You got that right. Mark my words that Ethan is a no good cheater and someone needs to do something about it.
Friend: True but we just can't go make a bunch of accusations until we have all the facts straight and know for sure.
Denis: Yes I agree. We'll just have to wait.


12. When Ethan arrives back from town after delivering the lumber, he is anxious to glue the pickle dish back together before Zeena arrives home. Much to his dismay, though, he learns that Zeena is already there. He is also puzzled about why his hired hand, Jotham Powell, who brought Zeena home from the train station, won't stay for a free meal. Think about the possibilities which would explain Jotham's refusal. Choose one and write about it in detail.

Answer: Jotham possibly refused a free meal because maybe Zeena offended him in someway. Maybe by saying that he was no good or something of that nature. Knowing Zeena's character it was probably something really offensive that made him not want to even be around Zeena. That's one of the reasons why I think Jotham refused.

chapter 5 questions

8. The scene with Ethan and Mattie beside the fireplace seems idyllic. Ethan is smoking his pipe, the fire is glowing, Mattie is sewing as she siting in the rocking chair, and the silence is soothing. The cat is "watching them with narrowed eyes." Ethan and Mattie, in their own ways, are dreaming that this is really their life and not a pretense. Suppose you were that cat and could talk. What would you tell Ethan and Mattie about the dangers of allowing themselves to dream of being together?

Answer: I would tell Ethan and Mattie that they shouldn't dream when it most likely will not come true and is not there life. Also that Zeena could come home any second and would not appreciate this. Finally that they should be thinking about the other people than themselves and the repercussions of what could happen if they start to dream of being together.

10. Ethan and Mattie, though alone and with ample opportunity, never so much as touch hands during their evening together. We know, however, that their attraction to one another is great. Imagine that Ethan keeps a secret journal. Write Ethan's journal entry about that night.

Answer: Zeena had to go to the doctors leaving my and Mattie alone. She made me a really nice and delicious dinner but she broke Zeena's pickle dish but I assured her that it was ok. After dinner we relaxed by the fire I, smoking my pipe and Mattie, sewing. It was really nice to spend time with her alone. I could picture my life with her everyday being just like this night was. I hadn't even touched her hand and yet I feel strongly connected to her. Tonight is the last night to be with Mattie because this chance will probably never come up again. Well anyhow its getting late so I should turn in. -Ethan

Chapter 4 question

Chapter 4
7. Even though Ethan and Mattie have not had any any physical relationship despite their feelings for one another, what is your reaction to their involvement? Choose one of the following possibilities as the one you would favor as an outcome for their situation and give your reasons for feeling that way.
-Ethan and Mattie decide that, no matter what anyone thinks, they want to be together, and leaving Zeena, they elope.
OR
-As often happens, Mattie's feelings for Ethan wear off. She decides to marry Denis Eady. Zeena gets well with some new medicine, changes her ways and Ethan falls back in love with her.

Answer: I would like the outcome to be the first one, Ethan and Mattie being together, because first off I don't like Zeena, she's mean. Also because I don't think that Ethan really loves Zeena. He just married her because he was lonely. Another reason is I think that Ethan and Mattie seem more compatible than Ethan and Zeena because Mattie comes off as a lot nicer person than Zeena.

Chapter 3 question

Chapter 3
6 Only
6. Mattie's family background is an unhappy one. It is the early 1900's. When her parents died, young Mattie was left homeless and penniless, and her relations would not help her. Her health breaks under the strain of trying to earn a living. The only thing left for her to do is take work as a hired girl with Zeena and Ethan. Think about what would happen to uneducated girl today in the same circumstances. Make a list of four options that girl in the present day would have in order not to have to work as a maid for a relative. Be sure that each option is written in complete sentences. Then write which of the four options you feel would be the best one for a girl like Mattie. Explain why.

Answer: One-She could work at a fast food place
Two-She could work as a waitress in a resturant
Three-She could work at a clothing store or a movie place. (ex: american eagle, movies 10)
Four-She could work as a garbage pick up person or a janitor.

I think the best option for a girl like Mattie is to work in a clothing store because she seems like she would be a friendly person. She wouldn't have to do much but sort clothes, greet and help customers. Also it could possibly get her discounts on things(:

Chapter 2 question

Chapter 2
5 Only
5. When Ethan and Mattie arrive home after the dance, the key to the back door is missing. Zeena usually leaves it under the mat when she has gone to sleep. When Zeena opens the door to them, she explains that she did not leave the key because she could not sleep. Assuming this was the truth, what reason do you think Zeena has for locking out Mattie and Ethan?

Answer: I think that Zeena locked out Mattie and Ethan because she was mad because she knew they liked eachother. Also because the just wanted to be mean to them and that's why she couldn't sleep.