Betsy’s Character and Influence in the Play

How is Betsy’s character developed through the use of dialogue?

• By showing her confidence in being a spy for the British.

• Through her hesitant responses that reveal fear and secrecy.

• By demonstrating her willingness to argue with George Washington.

• By showing her excitement about her journey to Valley Forge.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

How is Betsy’s character developed through the use of stage directions?

• The stage directions show her bravery by detailing her weapons.

• They depict her reluctance and fear, emphasizing her vulnerability.

• They reveal her as a spy by describing her movements.

• They show her knowledge of the camp layout by having her move confidently.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.7.7

How does Betsy’s presence influence the plot and resolution of the play?

• Betsy’s arrival leads to a misunderstanding that reveals her bravery and patriotism.

• She joins Washington’s army, changing the course of the war.

• Her confrontation with the soldiers encourages them to desert the army.

• Betsy’s arrival creates conflict with Martha Washington, complicating the plot.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.7.7

How does the cold, harsh setting influence Betsy’s motivations and actions?

• It makes her wish she had stayed home, showing regret for her journey.

• It intensifies her determination to find her husband despite the conditions.

• It makes her disguise herself, fearing others will discover her true identity.

• It causes her to act quickly, as she is eager to leave Valley Forge.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

How does the playwright use foreshadowing and suspense in stage directions and dialogue to advance the plot regarding Betsy?

• Betsy’s reluctance to reveal her true purpose adds suspense about her identity.

• The soldiers instantly recognize her as a friend, reducing suspense.

• Betsy’s description of her journey hints she will become a spy for the British.

• Washington’s dialogue hints at a confrontation between him and Betsy.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.7.7

How does Betsy’s character help the playwright communicate the play’s message to the reader?

• By revealing the courage and sacrifice ordinary people made for loved ones.

• By showing that loyalty to the British was common in the colonies.

• By emphasizing the importance of espionage in the American Revolution.

• By portraying the struggles of soldiers without the support of family.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.7.7

Which of the following is the best summary of Martha Washington’s Spy?

• Betsy, a young woman, sneaks into Valley Forge dressed as a man and is mistaken for a spy by soldiers. When General and Martha Washington arrive, Betsy refuses to explain herself. Eventually, Martha learns that Betsy came to find her husband, who considered deserting, to convince him to stay with the army.

• Betsy, who is worried about her husband in the Continental Army, decides to sneak into the camp at Valley Forge. She is caught by soldiers and accused of being a British spy, but quickly explains herself, convincing General Washington of her innocence.

• Silas and Caleb, two Continental Army soldiers, are on guard at Valley Forge when they meet Betsy, a young woman dressed as a man. General Washington decides that Betsy is not a threat, and she safely returns home.

• Martha Washington and General Washington arrive at Valley Forge and meet Betsy, who has traveled there to help the soldiers in the cold. Betsy finds her husband and they leave together to return to their farm.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

How does the author’s use of figurative language help convey Silas’s view of the British in the play?

• By describing the British as "cold as King George's heart," the author shows that Silas thinks the British are emotionless and cruel.

• By saying the British are "strong as soldiers’ boots," the author emphasizes that Silas respects their military skills.

• By describing the British as "loud as a marching band," the author shows that Silas finds them noisy and distracting.

• By calling the British "bright as stars," the author highlights Silas’s admiration for their leadership.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How does the author’s choice of language contribute to the tone of suspicion at the beginning of the play?

• By having Silas refer to Betsy as “my sly fellow,” the author creates a tone of mistrust as Silas is convinced she has ill intentions.

• By describing Betsy as “gentle” and “quiet,” the author establishes a calm, trusting tone as Silas accepts her story.

• By using words like “heroic” and “brave,” the author creates a tone of admiration for Betsy’s determination.

• By having Silas praise Betsy as “clever and cautious,” the author builds a tone of respect for her intelligence.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.7.7

How does the language used in the description of the setting contribute to the mood of tension in the play?

• By describing the setting as “quiet and peaceful,” the author creates a relaxed mood that contrasts with the soldiers' urgency.

• By mentioning the “cold night” and “fear” in Betsy’s voice, the author sets a tense mood, emphasizing the danger and uncertainty of her situation.

• By describing the camp as “full of soldiers,” the author creates a cheerful mood as the soldiers gather around a fire.

• By portraying the setting as “warm and inviting,” the author establishes a welcoming mood that comforts Betsy.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.7.7