Activity Overview
Allusions can be found throughout the novel Chains. They reference actual people, places, and events from the time period. There are even quotes from primary sources at the beginning of each chapter. These references help plunge the reader into the time period and help them analyze Isabel’s journey in their context. Students studying or who have studied the 13 colonies in the 1700s and the Revolutionary War can enhance their understanding of the people, places and events by seeing them through the eyes of the characters in the book. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that identifies different allusions in the novel.
Examples of Allusions in Chains
- Thomas Paine, Common Sense
- Phillis Wheatley
- The River Jordan
- Siege of Boston
- George and Martha Washington
- King George III
- John and Abigail Adams
- General Gage
- Declaration of Independence
- General William Howe
- John Hancock
- Thomas Jefferson
- Benjamin Franklin
- The Great Fire of New York
- Battle of Fort Washington
- Yankee Doodle
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies allusions present in Chains (references to actual people, places, events or works of art or literature). Illustrate instances of each allusion and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the allusions from Chains you wish to include and write them in the title boxes.
- Create an image for an example that represents this allusion using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allusion | The allusion and its depiction are historically or factually accurate. The context from the story is given in a brief summary. | The allusion and its depiction may be slightly inaccurate historically or factually. The context from the story may be missing. | The allusion and its depiction have serious errors in accuracy. The context from the story are missing, or there is no description at all. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to both the allusion and to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
Allusions can be found throughout the novel Chains. They reference actual people, places, and events from the time period. There are even quotes from primary sources at the beginning of each chapter. These references help plunge the reader into the time period and help them analyze Isabel’s journey in their context. Students studying or who have studied the 13 colonies in the 1700s and the Revolutionary War can enhance their understanding of the people, places and events by seeing them through the eyes of the characters in the book. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that identifies different allusions in the novel.
Examples of Allusions in Chains
- Thomas Paine, Common Sense
- Phillis Wheatley
- The River Jordan
- Siege of Boston
- George and Martha Washington
- King George III
- John and Abigail Adams
- General Gage
- Declaration of Independence
- General William Howe
- John Hancock
- Thomas Jefferson
- Benjamin Franklin
- The Great Fire of New York
- Battle of Fort Washington
- Yankee Doodle
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies allusions present in Chains (references to actual people, places, events or works of art or literature). Illustrate instances of each allusion and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the allusions from Chains you wish to include and write them in the title boxes.
- Create an image for an example that represents this allusion using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allusion | The allusion and its depiction are historically or factually accurate. The context from the story is given in a brief summary. | The allusion and its depiction may be slightly inaccurate historically or factually. The context from the story may be missing. | The allusion and its depiction have serious errors in accuracy. The context from the story are missing, or there is no description at all. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to both the allusion and to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about Analyzing Allusion in Chains
Integrate allusion analysis into class discussions for deeper comprehension
Invite students to share their storyboard allusions during class discussions. Connecting individual work to group dialogue encourages active participation and helps students see how allusions shape their understanding of the novel.
Model making connections between allusions and historical context
Demonstrate how to link each allusion found in Chains to the real historical events or figures it references. This strengthens students' ability to interpret meaning and deepens their appreciation for the novel’s setting.
Prompt students to explain the significance of each allusion
Ask students to share why the allusion matters to Isabel’s story or the novel’s themes. Explaining significance helps students move beyond identification toward analysis and critical thinking.
Use visual aids to support understanding of historical references
Display images, timelines, or maps that relate to the allusions being discussed. Visuals make abstract references more concrete and memorable for students in grades 2–8.
Encourage students to find modern allusions for comparison
Challenge students to identify allusions in current books, movies, or songs. Comparing historical and modern allusions builds transfer skills and keeps learning relevant and engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions about Analyzing Allusion in Chains
What are some examples of allusions in the novel Chains?
Examples of allusions in Chains include historical figures and events such as Thomas Paine, Phillis Wheatley, the Declaration of Independence, the Battle of Fort Washington, and George Washington. These references connect the story to real Revolutionary War history.
How can students identify allusions in Chains?
Students can identify allusions in Chains by looking for references to real people, places, events, or famous documents from the 1700s, especially those mentioned in primary source quotes or chapter headings.
Why are allusions important in Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson?
Allusions help immerse readers in the historical setting and deepen understanding of Isabel’s journey by tying her experiences to actual events and figures from the Revolutionary War era.
What is the best way to create a storyboard about allusions in Chains?
The best way is to select key allusions from the novel, illustrate scenes that represent each one, and write a brief description explaining the reference and its significance to the story.
How does analyzing allusions in Chains enhance students' understanding of the Revolutionary War?
Analyzing allusions helps students connect classroom history to the characters’ experiences, making the events and people of the Revolutionary War more relatable and memorable.
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