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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. Where is Isabel to be branded?

2. What does Mrs. Lockton think when she notices the Patriots gathering their belongings?

3. Where is Isabel when she wakes?

4. Who asks to meet with Isabel?

5. How has Isabel's situation improved?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What is Isabel startled to hear about Curzon?

6. What does Becky tell Isabel about Ruth?

7. What does Isabel hear other slaves speaking of concerning the Loyalists?

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

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

10. What happens after Isabel returns with Mr. Lockton from the docks?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of freedom in "Chains". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with freedom? Why? What are some symbols of freedom? Symbols of slavery? What characters are free? Why are they free?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in "Chains". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of growing up and personal responsibility in "Chains". How does Isabel grow up? How does she try to get others to help her out of her situation? How does she finally end up taking responsibility for helping herself?

Essay Topic 2

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes it is the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think "Chains" is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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