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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 the soldiers of Curzon's company think that Isabel and Ruth had been separated from Curzon?

2. When Isabel and Ruth initially arrived at Curzon's camp, who did some soldiers think that Isabel was?

3. What job did Ruth do much better at than Isabel thought she would when working for the army?

4. Why did Curzon support the Patriot cause?

5. Who were the "camp followers"?

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

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

5. Why was Ebeneezer angry with Curzon?

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

7. Why did Isabel say that her purpose was to find Ruth some gingerbread?

8. Why was Isabel cheered by Kate and Elspeth's frustration at the extra work they had to do after the storm?

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

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

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

Write an essay explaining how descriptions of military tactics fit into Isabel's narrative in Ashes. Describe why Anderson chose to include these sometimes detailed descriptions and the importance they play in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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