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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 does Isabel shout about Madam Lockton?

2. For how long is Isabel held in prison?

3. Where is Isabel when she wakes?

4. What is Lady Seymour trying to do when Isabel finds her?

5. What does Isabel do once she is outside the house?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Isabel feel towards and treat Curzon?

2. What is Isabel startled to hear about Curzon?

3. Why do Isabel's days become a little easier?

4. What gives Isabel a chance to go to the prison more easily?

5. What does Lady Semour request that infuriates Madam Lockton?

6. What happens on Sunday that has Madam Lockton elated?

7. Who comes to the window of the prison when Isabel calls for Curzon?

8. What happens when Madam Lockton arrives at Colonel Regen's camp?

9. What news does Captain Morse give Isabel to give the prisoners hope?

10. What happens at Isabel's trial, and what is the outcome of the trial?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and write a brief biographical sketch of Laurie Halse Anderson.

2. What in Anderson's background may have helped her in writing "Chains"? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

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

The branding done to Isabel is a turning point for Isabel because she realizes the fantasy she has constructed, that putting herself in danger for the sake of the Rebel Army will earn her freedom, will not come true. The magic words, "ad astra", are not magical at all. The fantasy is representative of the final glints of childhood Isabel has clung to. Now, there will be no more fantasies of heroic escape. If Isabel wants her freedom, she is going to have to give a bloody fight to earn it.

1. Discuss why the incident of Isabel's branding is a turning point in her life. Use examples from "Chains" and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think it is reasonable that a thirteen year old has to be responsible for getting herself free of slavery? Why or why not? How would that answer change in comparison to Isabel's time versus the 21st. century? Use examples from "Chains" and your own life to support your answer.

3. Do you think that obtaining freedom in any form is always a fight? Why or why not? Use examples from "Chains" and your own life to support your answer.

4. Do you think having a young teen branded for life is too harsh a situation to be dealt with in a book for the age group that will be reading it? Why or why not? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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