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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 does Lockton put the blame upon for the search of his home?

2. What is officially discovered a few days after Isabel talks to Colonel Regen?

3. Why is Isabel devastated during the search of the Lockton's home?

4. How old is Isabel?

5. How does Becky say is the best way to stay safe?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ruth act about the fall she has in the kitchen, and what does Ruth not seem to understand?

2. How does Mr. Lockton flee his home, and what does he do when his wife tries to go with him?

3. Why is Isabel terrified when Lockton is released from jail, and why did she need not worry?

4. What does Isabel do to protect Ruth's innocence.

5. What is Isabel's assigned role in the Lockton household?

6. Why do the soldiers remove the windows in the Lockton house?

7. Under what condition does Lockton agree to give the Loyalist money, and why does he stipulate that condition?

8. What does Becky Berry tell Isabel about Ruth?

9. What are Isabel and Ruth doing in the funeral procession, and what is important about the day for them?

10. How does Isabel get into a secretive meeting of the Loyalists, and what how does she conduct herself?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an important part of what makes "Chains" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Isabel. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Madam Lockton. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Mr. Lockton. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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