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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. How long had Isabel and Curzon been traveling together as the book opens?

2. What did Isabel find suspicious when they first arrived in Riverbend?

3. Who did the woman at the hospital think that Ruth and Isabel were?

4. Why did Isabel think that Curzon should not leave their camp when Ruth was sick?

5. How was Williamsburg different from cities like Philadelphia and New York?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Anderson begin each chapter in Ashes?

5. What kind of stories did Isabel tell Ruth while she was sleeping?

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

7. Why did Isabel want people who saw her and Ruth wandering around town to think they were slaves?

8. When Isabel arrived at Riverbend, what had changed about Ruth since the last time she saw her?

9. Why did Isabel and Curzon head to Riverbend instead of Charleston to look for Ruth?

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

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

Isabel often jumps to conclusions about what people are thinking based on their actions. Write an essay describing some situations in which she does this and explaining how it affects the way she interacts with her companions.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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