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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 Isabel realize as she sees the person in #125?

2. Why do the Lockton's have house guests?

3. Why is Isabel happy to go out into the conflict?

4. What does Becky look like when Isabel finds her?

5. Why does Isabel say she wants to get away from her owners?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Isabel's life like after returning to the Lockton household?

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. How does Isabel feel towards and treat Curzon?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Chains" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Chains"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Chains" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Chains", questions that Anderson most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Anderson's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Anderson's probable agenda concerning that idea.

3. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

4. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

5. Research the life of Anderson and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

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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