Genre Characteristics
What is the genre?
FICTION
Which figurative language did Silas use when he said in line 6 “It's as plain as a dish of beans..."?
Simile is when a person uses 'like' or 'as' to compare two things.
What does mischief mean?
harm or trouble caused by someone or something.
What was the time period of the story?
1777
Name 3 characters, and the setting.
1. George Washington
2. Martha Washington
3. Betsy
4. Sam Howard
5. Silas
6. Caleb
Setting: SETTING: A sentry outpost at Valley Forge.
What is the sub-genre??
- hint: 2 of them
Historical Fiction and Drama
What is Silas insinuating in line 4 "SILAS: So the British are using females now to do their nasty work!"
Betsy is a spy.
What can we infer 'swarming with spies' mean?
-- LINE 12
There are spies everywhere.
Why didn't Betsy call Sam?
Since it’s 1777, phones have not yet been invented, and Betsy does not have any way to communicate with her husband aside from traveling to find him.
What was the resolution?
Martha and George Washington realize why the young couple were trying to reach each other.
Which characters are actual historical people?
Georage and Martha Washinton
With Sam Howard missing and Betsy showing up randomly what can readers infer about the two?
There is a connection between the two.
What does Defiantly mean? (line 22)
a. obedient
b. caution
c. to resist
c. to resist
How come Betsy did not mail Sam a letter?
It would have taken too long.
What is the climax?
They finally find Sam Howard and he reveals why he was planning to desert the army.
How was the conflict of the story based on true historical situations?
a. Women were known to be spies.
b. Men had to participate in war, while the women tended to the home.
c. Phones were not invented yet.
Men had to participate in war, while the women tended to the home.
39 MARTHA: I’ll tell you privately, George. There is no reason for her secret to be shared by the entire army.
40 WASHINGTON: (Dubiously.) But, surely—
41 MARTHA: (Irritated.) George, certainly you don’t doubt the word of your own wife.
42 WASHINGTON: (To Silas and Caleb.) Give her something warm to drink.
WHAT CAN READERS INFER ABOUT MARTHA'S AUTHORITY WITH HER HUSBAND/ PRESIDENT?
Martha can change her husband’s mind. This demonstrates that Washington considers and respects the opinion of his wife.
What does Dubiously mean?
a. positively
b. with hesitation or doubt.
c. confidently
b. with hesitation or doubt.
Due to Sam not being home, what did Betsy have to take care of?
She had to manage things on the farm, their baby and the house.
What is the rising action?
Betsy is caught in men clothing and everyone assumes she is a spy because she will not tell anyone why she is there.
What was the theme of this story?
Betsy required time and patience to feel comfortable telling her reason for her disguise and for making the trip; also, it can take time and patience to connect different pieces of information.
Based on these lines "35 WASHINGTON: (Shaking his head.) If only we can get through this bitter winter. It does things to a man, weakens the very moral fiber of him." what does Washington infer that happened to Sam Howard?
He deserted the army camp.
What does ruefully mean?
a. cheerfully
b. sadly
b. sadly
What was the time period of the story?
1777
What was the conflict?
Betsy and Sam could not get ahold of each other.