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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. Who is Bellingham's slave?

2. Why is Isabel punished by Madam Lockton?

3. What does Becky tell Isabel?

4. What does Isabel learn was in Madam Lockton's underwear chest?

5. What astounds Isabel about what she hears from Lockton's guests?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ruth act about the fall she has in the kitchen, and what does Ruth not seem to understand?

2. What happens when Miss Finch's nephew comes up while Isabel is talking to the Pastor?

3. What does Madam Lockton convince the soldiers to do and how does she seems about everything else being searched?

4. How does Mr. Lockton flee his home, and what does he do when his wife tries to go with him?

5. Why is Isabel terrified when Lockton is released from jail, and why did she need not worry?

6. What does Curzon tell Isabel about the Locktons, and what promise does he make?

7. What surprises Isabel when she goes to bring Lady Seymour back to the Lockton home?

8. About what does Becky warn Isabel?

9. What are Isabel and Ruth doing in the funeral procession, and what is important about the day for them?

10. What does a soldier find when he searches the linen chest?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Chains". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Anderson chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Anderson chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Anderson's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Anderson use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme.)

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which three secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Chains" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Chains"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Chains" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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