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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. According to Aberdeen, who or what was the first friend that Ruth made at Riverbend?

2. When Ruth fell ill with a fever, who did Isabel blame?

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

4. Why were Isabel and Ruth walking up and down the main street of Williamsburg?

5. Who were Kate and Elspeth?

Short Essay Questions

1. After Ruth had a fit, in what ways did it become obvious to her companions that she was very sick?

2. Why did Isabel cry when talking to Serafina?

3. How does Anderson begin each chapter in Ashes?

4. Why did Isabel say to Curzon, “I know better than you what the pain of fire can do a person” (66)?

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

6. Why did Ruth call the donkey Thomas Boon?

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

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

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

10. How did Isabel and Ruth get jobs at the laundry?

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

In the beginning of Ashes, Isabel claims that she wants to remain as far away from the war as possible. Eventually, though, she does choose a side. Write an essay analyzing the development of Isabel's perception of the Revolution and what caused her opinions to change on this topic.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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