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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 comes to the cell window when Isabel calls for Curzon?

2. What does Bellingham promise Curzon for serving as a soldier?

3. How has Isabel's situation improved?

4. How many soldiers are staying at Lady Seymour's home?

5. What does Isabel eat upon awakening?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Isabel take to the prisoners, and why is she allowed to do so?

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

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

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

6. How does Isabel learn about Curzon being in prison and about the conditions of the prison?

7. Where is Isabel when she is finally is alert after her branding, and why can't Isabel stay there?

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

9. Describe Isabel's experience at the book store.

10. What does Madam Lockton order Isabel to do when the British invade New York City?

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. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which three secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

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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