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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. What did Curzon promise Isabel during their first real conversation after Isabel's arrival at the army camp?

2. What was Aberdeen's real job in Williamsburg?

3. Who did Ruth think they were looking for in the crowd of soldiers in Chapter XXVII?

4. When did General Washington decide it was time to fight?

5. Why did Curzon support the Patriot cause?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Isabel decide that she and Ruth could not travel with the women of the army?

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

3. Why did Isabel believe it was foolish for Curzon to support the Patriots?

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

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

6. Why was Isabel grateful that Ruth did not say anything in the presence of Sergeant Armstrong?

7. Why was Ebeneezer angry with Curzon?

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

9. Why was the British soldier in the woods deserting his army?

10. Why was Aberdeen curious about Isabel favoring the British?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The other soldiers in the Rhode Island regiment are minor characters and so do not have distinct personalities, save for perhaps Henry; nonetheless they play an important role in the resolution of the novel. Write an essay that explains how these characters support both the romantic and political conflicts in Ashes.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout this book, Isabel and other characters grapple with a difficult question: Are the Patriots fighting for freedom for all? Write a persuasive essay taking a side in this issue. Support your argument with research in addition to statements made in the book.

Essay Topic 3

In a tender moment, Serafina tells Isabel, "Don't forget how to be gentle" (39). Write an essay exploring the ways in which this statement manifests as a major theme of Ashes.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 888 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample