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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did Isabel think it was a bad idea for Aberdeen and Ruth to marry?

2. How did Isabel and Ruth bury the bodies they found in the woods?

3. Why did Ruth learn all of the army companies' flags?

4. Who was Miss Marrow?

5. What did Aberdeen say he was going to do after the war was over?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Isabel think that Ruth burned the free papers?

2. How did Missus Serafina's advice help Isabel mend her relationship with Ruth?

3. What did Isabel mean when she said, "I am my own army" (126)?

4. Why did Mister Hallahan not pay Isabel for her work in the tavern?

5. How did Isabel's narration during her fake kiss with Curzon indicate that she may have had romantic feelings towards him?

6. Why was Isabel angered when she heard the minister's sermon at Bruton Parish Church?

7. Why did Isabel tell Widow Hallahan that Ruth had been shoveling donkey dung?

8. What did Isabel mean when she said, "We had been forced back into war for our liberty" (151)?

9. Why did Isabel not tell Ruth the truth about Aberdeen?

10. Why did Isabel think digging the trench was a bad idea?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The resolution of Ashes is hopeful but still realistic. Write an essay that describes how the events in this last section of the book drive the plot towards a resolution of this nature, and theorize what messages Anderson hopes to send by ending the book in this way.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay exploring the theme of love in Ashes. Be sure to touch on familial love as well as romantic love.

Essay Topic 3

How are Isabel, Ruth, Curzon, and other black characters treated by white characters in Ashes? Which white characters treat them with respect? Which white characters treat them poorly? What message is Anderson trying to send about racism?

(see the answer keys)

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