In the meantime, the Patriots have been driven out of New York City as the British, under General Howe, occupy the city. Afterwards, Isabel is shown kindness and loyalty by her friend Curzon when he helps get her to safety, as well as sympathetic aid from Lady Seymour, the Lockton’s wealthy aunt. Madam Lockton punishes Isabel by branding the letter “I” on her cheek. Isabel faces grave consequences for her actions. Isabel is able to gain valuable intel from her Loyalist enslavers and smuggle it to the Patriots, including information about a plot to assassinate General George Washington!Īfter Madam Lockton cruelly sells Ruth, Isabel seeks aid from Colonel Regan hoping he will reward her for her valuable service, but he refuses to help her and sends Isabel back to the Locktons. While Isabel is expected to mirror the loyalties of her new enslavers, a new friend named Curzon convinces her to spy for the Patriots, hoping that by giving their aid it will grant them their freedom. The Locktons treat Isabel and Ruth with brutality and abuse.

However, Mary's nephew, Robert Finch, sells Isabel and Ruth to a Loyalist couple: Master and Madam Lockton of New York City.

What are some examples of symbolism used by the author in the novel and how does the symbolism help you to better understand the characters and their motivation?Īt the opening of the story, Isabel believed she and her sister would gain their freedom upon the death of their enslaver, Mary Finch, as outlined in her will.

What are some of the allusions (references to factual people, places, and events) present in the novel Chains?.

What are some of the literary themes present in the novel Chains?.

What were the lives of enslaved people like in the American colonies in the 1700s?.

How did the Patriots’ struggle for freedom from Great Britain during the Revolutionary War mirror Isabel’s struggle for freedom from slavery? How were they different?.What are fundamental rights of all human beings?.Essential Questions for Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Chains laurie