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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 see when she is branded?

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

3. What does Isabel shout about Madam Lockton?

4. What does Isabel do when Curzon visits her?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How does Isabel save Lady Seymour's life?

6. How does Isabel feel towards and treat Curzon?

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

8. What does Becky tell Isabel about Ruth?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of freedom in "Chains". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with freedom? Why? What are some symbols of freedom? Symbols of slavery? What characters are free? Why are they free?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in "Chains". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of growing up and personal responsibility in "Chains". How does Isabel grow up? How does she try to get others to help her out of her situation? How does she finally end up taking responsibility for helping herself?

(see the answer keys)

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