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.
(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:
Requirements:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Analyzing allusions helps students connect classroom history to the characters’ experiences, making the events and people of the Revolutionary War more relatable and memorable.