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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 does Becky say nearly died?

2. What happens immediately after the meeting of the Loyalists conspirators?

3. What does Isabel decide she must do?

4. What does Curzon promise Isabel?

5. Who is Goldbuttons?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why has Miss Mary Finch's nephew come to Rhode Island?

2. What does the Mayor of New York suggest it is time to do to advance the Loyalist cause?

3. Why does Isabel ask the pastor for work?

4. How does Isabel feel about Ruth's assigned role in the household?

5. Under what condition does Lockton agree to give the Loyalist money, and why does he stipulate that condition?

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

7. What happens the morning after Isabel made a report to Curzon?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of freedom in "Chains". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with freedom? Why? What are some symbols of freedom? Symbols of slavery? What characters are free? Why are they free?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in "Chains". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of growing up and personal responsibility in "Chains". How does Isabel grow up? How does she try to get others to help her out of her situation? How does she finally end up taking responsibility for helping herself?

Essay Topic 2

Over the course of "Chains", Isabel grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "Chains" might be considered a slice of Isabel's "coming of age" story. It might be said that "Chains" is a "bildungsroman" of Isabel. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Isabel as he changes from a more carefree, innocent girl to a wiser, young woman. What are the significant events that change Isabel?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Isabel's growth throughout "Chains", do you think Chains could be considered Isabel's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "Chains" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

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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