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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 discover when she wakes after the night that she receives cookies and milk?

2. What does Lady Seymour's letter request?

3. What happens that causes the Patriots to leave New York City?

4. How does Isabel hear about the conditions in the British prison?

5. What is to be branded on Isabel?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Isabel save Lady Seymour's life?

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

3. To what horror does Isabel awaken one morning and how is Lady Seymour responding to the emergency?

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

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

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

7. What is Isabel startled to hear about Curzon?

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

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

10. What does Becky tell Isabel about Ruth?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Chains" belongs to the young teen historical fiction genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the young teen historical fiction genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a young teen historical fiction and a fantasy or mystery?

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Chains" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Chains"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Chains" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Chains". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Anderson chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Anderson chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Anderson's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Anderson use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme.)

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,108 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample