View a FREE sample

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 think Bellingham is not the person to go to with information?

2. Who are Isabel and Ruth?

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

4. What astounds Isabel about what she hears from Lockton's guests?

5. Who is Curzon?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Colonel Regen ask Isabel to do and how does he make it possible for her to travel about without being picked up?

2. What happens when the boat carrying Isabel and Ruth and their new owners lands in New York?

3. What worries Isabel about Ruth being around Mrs. Lockton regularly?

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

5. What does Isabel struggle to do as she is working about the house?

6. What does the Mayor of New York suggest it is time to do to advance the Loyalist cause?

7. What happens the morning after Isabel made a report to Curzon?

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

9. About what does Becky warn Isabel?

10. What does Curzon tell Isabel about the Locktons, and what promise does he make?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Chains". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Anderson chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Anderson chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Anderson's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Anderson use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme.)

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which three secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,113 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample