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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. What help does Isabel ask of the pastor?

2. About what do Lockton's guests speak openly?

3. Why does Mr. Lockton insist Madam Lockton stay behind?

4. What does Isabel whisper outside the window at Bellingham's home?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Isabel ask the pastor for work?

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

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

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

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

7. What does Miss Finch's nephew do with Isabel and Ruth and who tries to intervene?

8. What does Becky Berry tell Isabel about Ruth?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Chains", questions that Anderson most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Anderson's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Anderson's probable agenda concerning that idea.

3. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

4. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

5. Research the life of Anderson and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "Chains", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "Chains". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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