DiscussionQuestions

Discussion Questions from Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson: Questions Answers Chapters   Janel- Chapters 1-4: 1) Do you think if you were Isabel would you run away? Why? She should not run away because she has no intermediate family or places to go since slavery has expanded into all states.  2)What do you think would happen if Jenny had purchased Isabel and Ruth, how would their lives change? There would be both fun and work since they do not want to get into any trouble with the government or any other slave owners. They would also be able to help work in her restaurant.

Chapters 5-9: 1) Do you feel that Mr.Lockton should be arrested for his suspicious cargo that was" his wives personal items" why or why not? Yes because he might be providing illegal cash or something of that sort. He is probably not in this alone. 2) Why do you think that Madam is being so caring for Ruth and not anyone else in the house? It is sort of like a favoritism because she is younger and because Madam thinks that the others can tend for themselves. She also has the opportunity to be the mother she never was.

Chapters 10-13: 1) Why do you think Master Lockton was released from prison even though they have evidence that he was guilty? Master Lockton was probably released because of his sharp wits and because he is so popular which causes him to have connections? <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">2) What do you think happened to the illegal money in the chest that Isabel knew was there but was actually gone? The money might have been misplaced or it was still there just not visible in plain sight.

<span style="color: rgb(0,21,255);">Chapters 14-16: <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">1) Why fo you think the men have meetings about capturing George Washington when the slaves are present? They most likely think that the slaves would always by agreeing with them which causes the men to trust them. They also might think that they wouldn't dare mention anything outside of the Lockton's household. <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">2) Do you think that the committee will stop Master Lockton why or why not? They most likely won't because Lockton and his crew made the plans not easy for the average person to comprehend. <span style="color: rgb(0,21,255);"> <span style="color: rgb(0,21,255);">Chapters 17-20: <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">1) Why do you think the town enjoys the hanging of someone? They may have learned to enjoy it as if it was a custom or tradition of the town or their families. It also may be sort of like a celebration because they caught a major criminal so they would be able to keep Gen. Washington safe. <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">2) Why do you think Madam Lockton is being so kind to the girls after telling them she wanted toii sell them? She might want the girls to show that she has changed or to get on her good side for something further in her plans. She also may have met someone that told her she should respect her slaves more, but that wasn't a popular thing in those times.

<span style="color: rgb(0,21,255);">Chapters 21-part 2: <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">1)What do you think will happen to Isabel when she returns to the Lockton's home? It will be very akward and frightening for her, it might even become a fear/nightmare for her. Neither the Locktons or other servents would not talk to her. The other servents might even become frightened by Isabel now. <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">2) Why do you think Isabel recieved punishment but other didn't? Probably because no one was there to witness it so they all belived Mrs. Lockton. She was then hummiluated by a lie that everyone belived. Isabel won't havea say in this because she is a slave.

<span style="color: rgb(0,21,255);">Chapters 25-29: <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">1) What do you think happened to Curzon's condisions/ his appearence? He might have losed self confidence, he might have been beaten, many things could have happened that we don't know, but the way the author explains it he is not his same self. <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">2)What do you think Madam's reaction will be once she finds out that Isabel has located and conversated with Mr.Lockton will be? She will be proud that he is safe but wondering why Isabel was not doing her chores around that specific town.

<span style="color: rgb(0,21,255);">Chapters 30-33: <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">1) If there wasn't a fire how do you think Isabel's life would have changed? She wouldn't have to tend to Lady Semour because she is so hurt though she might have been her slave. She also wouldn't have all of her new clothing nor would she be Lady Semour's hero for saving her and her belongings. <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">2) How do you think Curzon got into the situation he is in? Maybe because of the war, because he is very rebellious or maybe he tried to fight for someone such as his self or Washington.

<span style="color: rgb(0,21,255);">Chapters 34-37: <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">1) Why do you think the shopkeeper gave Isbel the book even though she said she "couldn't read"? He probably had a hunch about Isabel and figured she would need it anytime. He may have suspected that she could read because she was very smart. <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">2) How do you think the word got out that Isabel was visiting the prison? Lady Seymour may have tole but it would be unknown to how Lady Seymour found out. She might have found out by any source, the smell, she may have seen her from their house, there are many possibilities.

<span style="color: rgb(0,21,255);">Chapters 38-40 <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">1) Why do you think Isabel is getting more responsibilities around the house? Maybe because Madam is figuring out that Isabel is visiting the prison so it's like a punishment. <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">2) What do you think Captain Morse is thinking when Isabel was trying to avoid him at the fish market. He was probably confused or unaware of the consiquences that Isabel could recieve. <span style="color: rgb(0,21,255);">Chapters 41-45 <span style="color: rgb(253,8,36);">1) If Mrs.Lockton hadn't told anyone she didn't sell Ruth how do you think the story would ahve concluded? Isabel may have worked for Mrs.Lockton for the rest of her life. Isabel might have taken a different, longer route towards escape. <span style="color: rgb(253,8,37);">2)What is your prediction for the sequel book? Curzon might die because of his conditions, they will search for Ruth but it might take longer and they might have more obsacules.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">

<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
====<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #0070c0; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Chapters 1-4 <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> ==== ====<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> 1) What are your thoughts of Missus Lockton in chapter 4? ==== ====<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> A very harsh mistress that will surely be harmful to the girls. ==== ====<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> 2) Why do you think Isabel refers to her parents spirits as ghosts? Explain ==== ====<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">She is saying that her parents are with all the time and that she will have faith to push for her freedom. ==== ====<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> ====

Yes, it was about the same; the original plan caused more work for Isabel.
Tommy: 1-4 1) What does she mean by "talking to ghosts" - Yes, spirits. 2) How is it established that Robert bears no similarity to his aunt- Robert wants to sell the girls while the aunt was very kind and outgoing.

5-9 1) Why did isabel take the blame for Ruth? - She didn't want her little sister to be harmed. 2) Will Isabel later accept the "spy" role? - Yes she probably will.

10-13 1) Why didn't Isabel inform a soldier instead of Curzon. - Isabel could have been captured or severley punished.2) When "grandfather" says 'Watch yourself missy' is this possibly a foreshadow? - We believe that this is just a statementnot a foreshadow. 14- 161) As the plan to kill Washington unfolds, the thoughts have to be racing through Isabel's mind. What would you be thinking if you were in this situation? - I would be quite afraid and excited as well. I would now have a legit reason or way to purchase my freedom. 2) How will Ruth's seizure's affect her future with Mrs. Lockton? - There will probably be violence as well as "bleeding" treatment.

17-20 1) Lady Seymour is madam locktons "foil", how is this so? - Lady Seymour appreciates Isabel and pretty much takes her under her wing. She is kind and polite and supports the rebel cause. 2) What mishap and malevolent behavior is going to occur now that Mr. Lockton is gone? - Madam is obviously going to be harsh on the slaves now that there is no one to stope her rants.

21- part 21) How is the chemistry to differ now that Ruth has been sold? - Tis most likely Isabel will search for Ruth and get punished for doing so. 2) How will Isabel's views on the Rebel side change from the terrible experience she had? - She is more likely to support the loyalists as well as spy for them and share information. 25- 291) What are "the bees" - The bees represent the anger built up inside of her due to her terrible treatment. 2) Why does religion come in so many different times? - The bible was often manipulated to allow slavery in it.

30- 33 1) How did the fire change Isabels living style? - she was praised highly of by lady seymour2) What does Sarah represent- Sarah is the foil of becky

34-37 1) Isabel accepts the role of message carrier, what could be the consequences? - She could be beaten or flogged or hung. 2) Isabel is to tend to lady seymour while bedridden, what information could she recieve? - possible escape routes or possibly rebel messages

38- 40 1) Why was Isabel so rushed while talking in the street to Captain Morse? - She didnt want to be seen2) Why did Lady Seymour tell Mrs. Lockton Isabel was going to the Prison? - no probable answer.

41- end 1) What would've happened if Isabel didn't throw the note in the fire? - She never would've discovered Ruth's true location.2) How will rescuing Curzon effect the next book? - His attitude could prove fatal, or he could rescue them all.

2) What will happen in the next book? - They will probably rescue ruth or be taken into slavery.