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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 shout about Madam Lockton?

2. What does Mrs. Lockton think when she notices the Patriots gathering their belongings?

3. Who asks to meet with Isabel?

4. Where is Isabel to be branded?

5. For how long is Isabel held in prison?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What does Becky tell Isabel about Ruth?

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

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,064 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample