Sophia's War Chapters 1-9 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What event do Sophia and her mother witness while walking to New York?

Sophia and her mom witnessed Nathan Hale's hanging.

What is Sophia's brother William's occupation?

A patriot soldier.

Who taught Sophia to read and write, and why was it important?

William taught Sophia to read and write because he believed women should be educated.

How did the landscape of New York change after the British arrived?

The city became strangely vacant, with houses closed and shops locked as it turned into a military camp. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Nathan Hale and what happened to him?

Nathan Hale was a schoolteacher in Connecticut and a spy who was hanged. Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of Sophia's house when she and her mother returned to New York?

The house was unscathed but some furniture was destroyed, dishes smashed, and food was gone. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sophia's mother do when the British soldiers arrive that surprises Sophia?

Her mother lies. Signup and view all the answers

What piece of literature upsets the British soldiers the most and why?

Common Sense upsets them because it is an incitement to rebellion. Signup and view all the answers

What does Captain Mackenzie tell the Calderwoods about their home?

The workplace must be converted into a sleeping quarter for the Calderwoods. Signup and view all the answers

What does the red ribbon represent and why does Sophia's mother pin it to her blouse?

The red ribbon represents loyalty to England. Signup and view all the answers

Who marked the doors of Sophia's friends with 'GR' and what does it mean?

The British Army marked the doors, indicating that the occupants are considered rebels. Signup and view all the answers

What rule has the British army set for the citizens of New York at night?

Citizens must remain home during curfew on pain of severe punishment. Signup and view all the answers

How did Sophia's father become injured?

Father was shot by a British patrol while coming through the lines. Signup and view all the answers

What lie does Sophia tell the British soldiers about fetching Dr. Dastuge?

She tells them that she is fetching medicine for her father's fever. Signup and view all the answers

What is Sophia afraid of as she approaches her house with the doctor and soldiers?

She is afraid that the soldiers would discover her father's true condition. Signup and view all the answers

How does Sophia's mother suggest she can help her father with the newspaper printers?

By telling her father's employees that he is back in the city and helping with the job. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Sophia's mother hesitant to tell the printers what has happened to Mr. Calderwood?

She doesn't know what side her husband's employees are on. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sophia ask her mother regarding trust?

She asks, 'Mother, who am I to trust?' Signup and view all the answers

How does Sophia describe the differences between Colonists and British on the streets of New York?

British soldiers were loud and boisterous, while citizens were dazed and wary. Signup and view all the answers

What is Sophia's first reaction to the British soldier she sees in the street?

She finds the British soldier hateful and cruel. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Witnessing Nathan Hale's Hanging

Nathan Hale, a schoolteacher and spy for the patriots, was hanged by the British on an apple tree without a Bible.
His execution served as a significant event in the context of the American Revolution.

William Calderwood's Role

Sophia's brother, William, serves as a patriot soldier, reflecting the family's allegiance to the patriot cause.

Education and Beliefs

William taught Sophia to read and write, emphasizing the importance of women's education in a tumultuous society.

Landscape Changes in New York

The arrival of British forces drastically transformed New York into a military camp, leading to deserted streets, fortified buildings, and halted trade activities.
Fires and destruction followed the battles, symbolizing the struggle over the city.

Nathan Hale's Fate

Hale was caught as a spy, betrayed into revealing his loyalty to General Washington, and subsequently executed by hanging.

Homecoming to a Looted House

Upon returning to their home, Sophia and her mother found it ransacked but noted the untouched secret storage, hinting at their vigilance against the British.

Mother's Deceptive Act

Sophia’s mother surprised her by lying to British soldiers, which contradicted her honest nature, highlighting the desperate circumstances.

"Common Sense" and Its Impact

The pamphlet "Common Sense," advocating for rebellion against British rule, greatly angered British soldiers, showcasing its influential role in stirring revolutionary sentiments.

British Taking Over the Calderwood Home

Captain Mackenzie informed the Calderwoods of the need to repurpose their home for British soldiers, indicating the invasive military presence.

The Symbolism of the Red Ribbon

The red ribbon pinned by Sophia's mother symbolizes loyalty to England, used as a protective measure against British suspicion.

British Markings on Doors

The markings "GR" by the British Army signified houses occupied by rebels, indicating the increased control and repression over the civilian population.

Curfew Restrictions

A curfew imposed by the British army forced citizens to remain indoors at night, with severe punishments for non-compliance.

Father's Injury

Mr. Calderwood was shot by British patrol while crossing lines, resulting in a severe arm wound and an overall appearance of distress.

Lies to the British Soldiers

Sophia deceived British soldiers about fetching Dr. Dastuge for her father's fever, indicating the precarious nature of their situation.

Sophia's Fears

She feared soldiers discovering her father’s true condition, emphasizing the tension and danger faced by patriots.

Assisting Her Father

Sophia's mother suggested that she inform her father’s employees of his return and assist in their work to secure financial stability.

Hesitation About Employees’ Loyalty

Sophia’s mother was cautious about revealing Mr. Calderwood's situation due to uncertainty regarding the employees' loyalties.

Trust Issues

In response to Sophia's question about whom to trust, her mother emphasized the family, showcasing the theme of loyalty and uncertain allegiances.

Observations of the Streets

Sophia observed a stark contrast between the lively, boisterous British soldiers and the wary, subdued demeanor of the civilian population.

First Encounter with a British Soldier

Sophia's initial reaction to a British soldier was one of hatred, as she witnessed the soldier's cruelty against a defenseless prisoner, solidifying her perceptions of the enemy.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards from the first nine chapters of Sophia's War. Explore key events, characters, and themes in this historical narrative. Ideal for students seeking to deepen their understanding of the book.