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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 asks to meet with Isabel?

2. How does Isabel feel about Colonel Regen?

3. Where does Isabel go when she runs out of the Lockton home?

4. Who steps off the ship that Captain Campbell stepped off?

5. What is the next thing Isabel remembers after leaving Colonel Regen's presence?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Isabel feel towards and treat Curzon?

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

5. What does Becky tell Isabel about Ruth?

6. What is Isabel's physical state when she awakes after returning from Colonel Regen's camp?

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

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

9. Why is there more work for Isabel after British invade New York City?

10. What happens when Isabel wakes the morning after eating the cookies and milk when she looks for Ruth?

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

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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