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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. Where did Curzon and Aberdeen say they had found work in Williamsburg?

2. What did Isabel do to help Ruth recover from her fever?

3. What was Ruth's main responsibility at the laundry?

4. Which of the following was NOT part of the group of people Isabel and Curzon spotted from the tree at Riverbend?

5. When Isabel and Ruth parted ways from Curzon and Aberdeen in Williamsburg, what did they look for?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Isabel cry when talking to Serafina?

2. How does Anderson begin each chapter in Ashes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Why did Aberdeen know Ruth better than Isabel did?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

How are Isabel and Curzon similar as characters? How are they different?

Essay Topic 3

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

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This section contains 908 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample