View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did the British deserter in the woods say that he had been ordered to do?

2. What weapon did Isabel bring to defend herself and Ruth when leaving Williamburg?

3. Which of the following did Ruth do when she was nervous?

4. Who did Ruth say were moles?

5. Where did Isabel find Aberdeen while working at the army camp?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was Curzon's manner like when he encountered Isabel and Ruth at his company's camp?

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

3. What kind of person was Miss Marrow?

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

5. How did Isabel's feelings towards Aberdeen change by the time she encountered him hiding in the bushes?

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

7. Why did Isabel think digging the trench was a bad idea?

8. Why was Ebeneezer angry with Curzon?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Any novel set during a war is obviously rife with external conflict. But characters in Ashes all experience internal conflict as well. Choose three characters from Ashes and analyze one major internal conflict, as well as one major external conflict, that each one faces. Which conflict affects each character most?

Essay Topic 2

In Ashes, there are many situations in which characters lie, whether for the sake of their safety, for malicious purposes, or simply because they are unsure if the person they are speaking to can face the truth. Write an essay exploring the issue of lying within this novel.

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 858 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample