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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. Why does Isabel relish the physical pain of her brand?

2. How bad is the fire to which Isabel awakes one morning?

3. What does Madam Lockton demand of Colonel Regen?

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

5. Why is the Lockton household busy?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. How does Isabel feel towards and treat Curzon?

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

9. What is Isabel startled to hear about Curzon?

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

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

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

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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