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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 has already been bribed to turn a blind eye to an assassin?

2. Why are the windows removed in the Lockton's home?

3. Where is the opening of the novel set?

4. What is the purpose of the term "ad astra"?

5. For what does one member of the conspiracy at Lockton's request Lockton's money?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Colonel Regen ask Isabel to do and how does he make it possible for her to travel about without being picked up?

2. Why does Isabel ask the pastor for work?

3. What worries Isabel about Ruth being around Mrs. Lockton regularly?

4. How does Isabel get into a secretive meeting of the Loyalists, and what how does she conduct herself?

5. Why do the soldiers remove the windows in the Lockton house?

6. Who does Isabel take the list she stole to and why does she choose that person?

7. What happens when Isabel goes and talks to Colonel Regen?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "Chains" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes "Chains" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Isabel. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Madam Lockton. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Mr. Lockton. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

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