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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who was Widow Hallahan?
(a) A woman who ran the laundry.
(b) A woman who cooked for the army.
(c) A woman who was married to a general.
(d) A woman who worked at the hospital.

2. In the beginning of the novel, where did Isabel think her sister Ruth was?
(a) In Rhode Island.
(b) In Riverbend.
(c) In Charleston.
(d) In Yorktown.

3. How was Williamsburg different from cities like Philadelphia and New York?
(a) It had more farms.
(b) It was smaller.
(c) It was bigger.
(d) It was cleaner.

4. How old was Aberdeen when he first came to Riverbend?
(a) Twelve.
(b) Four.
(c) Six.
(d) Eight.

5. Which of the following is Curzon overly afraid of?
(a) Spiders.
(b) Alligators.
(c) The dark.
(d) Snakes.

Short Answer Questions

1. What advice did Isabel receive from the short serving woman she met on the main street of Williamsburg?

2. How did Isabel get the scar on her cheek?

3. Which of the following was NOT a reason why Curzon wanted to stop in Willamsburg?

4. In what way was Ruth different from other children?

5. What about Isabel made Widow Hallahan suspicious?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Isabel believe was the worst thing that slave owners did to slaves?

2. What is the narrative point of view of Ashes?

3. Why did Isabel and Curzon need to hide from the British soldiers?

4. Isabel used a simile to describe her feelings when rejected by Ruth. What did she compare herself to?

5. How did Anderson illustrate Ruth’s love of animals throughout their time at Riverbend?

6. How did Curzon help ease tensions upon their arrival at Riverbend?

7. What clues led Isabel to believe that Aberdeen was lying about his butcher shop job?

8. Why did Isabel think that Curzon should not go searching for food for Ruth?

9. What advice did Walter give Ruth before leaving her with Isabel, Curzon and Aberdeen?

10. What did Curzon mean when he said, "Lazarus is a lass" (81)?

(see the answer keys)

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