It is interesting to note Isabel's struggle in naming herself on the forged pass. She knows she is not a Finch or a Lockton. She considers naming herself after her mother or father as a way of honoring their memory, but she no longer wants to be tied to the past. She is looking forward, embracing her new, free future. She renames herself Isabel Gardener for her favorite memories of home: tending to the garden, the growing new life. Keen readers may remember the seeds Isabel tried to grow when she first moved to the Lockton home. Like Isabel's hopes for freedom, the new growth was crushed during a battle and never replanted. Now, Isabel is figuratively replanting those seeds and waiting to watch her future blossom.

1. Why do you think it matters what name Isabel puts on a false pass? Use examples from "Chains" and your own life to support your answer.

2. Discuss, in depth, why names are important to people. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss the symbolism of Isabel liking to grow life considering the hardship in her life. Use examples from "Chains" and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Once again, Isabel is forced to deliver messages for various soldiers, putting herself in constant danger, to help care for those she loves. Initially, Isabel began this mission to save Ruth, but now she continues endangering herself to repay the debt she feels toward Curzon. Without Curzon, Isabel does not believe she would have survived the branding. It was Curzon who alerted Lady Seymour to her punishment, ensuring that she had a safe place to recover. Isabel knows she must deliver these messages as a way of thanking him.

1. What do you think of someone who keeps putting herself in danger for others? Use examples from "Chains" and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think the debt Isabel owes Curzon for talking to Lady Seymour is large enough for Isabel to be risking her life to help him in prison? Why or why not? Use examples from "Chains" and your own life to support your answer.

3. Considering that Isabel is a slave and has seen so much hate and immorality in her young life how do you think she has acquired such high standards of conduct and morality? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

4. What do you think it says about Curzon's character that he would ask Isabel to deliver messages when she's already been branded for helping the Patriots before? Use examples from "Chains" and your own life to support your answer.