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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 Mrs. Lockton throw at Isabel?

2. Why does Isabel get to spend afternoons reading the newspaper?

3. With what does Curzon help Isabel?

4. What does Isabel carry to the Lockton's home?

5. What is to be branded on Isabel?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. What does Becky tell Isabel about Ruth?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Chains" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if "Chains" is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "Chains" a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Chains" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Chains" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

4. Would you say "Chains" had a happy ending? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

It is interesting to note Isabel's struggle in naming herself on the forged pass. She knows she is not a Finch or a Lockton. She considers naming herself after her mother or father as a way of honoring their memory, but she no longer wants to be tied to the past. She is looking forward, embracing her new, free future. She renames herself Isabel Gardener for her favorite memories of home: tending to the garden, the growing new life. Keen readers may remember the seeds Isabel tried to grow when she first moved to the Lockton home. Like Isabel's hopes for freedom, the new growth was crushed during a battle and never replanted. Now, Isabel is figuratively replanting those seeds and waiting to watch her future blossom.

1. Why do you think it matters what name Isabel puts on a false pass? Use examples from "Chains" and your own life to support your answer.

2. Discuss, in depth, why names are important to people. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss the symbolism of Isabel liking to grow life considering the hardship in her life. Use examples from "Chains" and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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