Historical Context
What war is taking place during the novel?
American Revolution
The novel begins in which colony?
Rhode Island
What is the exposition of this novel? Think back to the opening scene, what is taking place?
Miss. Mary Finch's funeral
Grandfather told Isabel, “A scar is a sign of strength...the sign of a survivor.” How does this apply/connect to Isabel? How is she a survivor?
What do the 'bees' symbolize in the novel?
The 'bees' symbolize Isabel's old memories, thoughts, and confusion after the beating/branding.
What are the names of the two sides during the American Revolution?
Loyalists vs. Patriots/Rebels/Americans
What year does the majority of the novel take place in?
1776
What is the first thing that Curzon asks Isabel to do? AND why is it important to do the story?
Curzon asks Isabel to spy for him and let him know if she hears anything important. It’s important because it establishes a conflict.
After Lady Seymour tells Isabel that she wishes she would have bought her from the Lockton's, Isabel says, "It would have eased her mind if I thanked her for wanting to buy me away from Madam. I tried to be grateful but could not. A body does not like being bought and sold like a basket of eggs, even if the person who cracks the shells is kind.”
What does this tell us about Isabel and how she feels about her current situation?
Student responses will vary. BT and Hakes will determine if it is correct or not.
Describe two events that could be labeled as "rising actions" AND how they move the story along.
Student responses will vary. BT and Hakes will determine if it is correct or not.
Name two events or acts/laws that added to tensions between the British and Americans and led up to the American Revolution.
The Boston Tea Party, The Boston Massacre, The Stamp Act, The Sugar Act, The Quartering Act, etc.
Once the Lockton's buy Isabel and Ruth, which colony are they taken to?
New York
What is the first piece of information that Isabel tells Curzon about the Lockton’s?
Master Lockton is planning on bribing rebel soldiers to become Loyalists.
Read and analyze the following quote:
"Madam looked down without seeing me; she looked at my face, my kerchief, my shift neatly tucked into my shirt, looked at my shoes pinching my feet, looked at my hands that were stronger than hers. She did not look into my eyes, did not see the lion inside. She did not see the me of me, the Isabel."
Why does Isabel compare herself to a lion? What does it mean?
Student responses will vary. BT and Hakes will determine if it is correct or not.
Throughout the novel, the author repeats lines/phrases, such as, "It mattered not." and "My bones were hollow and my brainpan empty."
Why does the author do this?
The author repeats lines and phrases to show emphasis or make a point.
In the novel, Isabel is given a book to read from a shopkeeper. The novel is called, "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine. What does Paine say the colonists should do?
Overthrow the British government and become independent.
What colony do Isabel and Curzon escape to?
New Jersey
After Master's Lockton and his companion's first plan fails, what is their next plan? Who does Isabel tell about it?
Master Lockton and his companion's plan to kill George Washington. Isabel tells Colonel Regan.
What does the following quote tell us about Isabel's character?
"I could not eat or drink a thing for my belly was tied up with fear. My thoughts chased round and round my brainpan. I could not visit the prison daily. I was sure to be caught and punished. But I had to visit the prison daily. Curzon's life depended on it."
Student responses will vary. BT and Hakes will determine if it is correct or not.
Read the following quote and explain how this represents a "turning point" in the novel.
“She cannot chain my soul. Yes, she could hurt me. She’d already done so. But what was one more beating? A flogging, even? I would bleed, or not. Scar, or not. Live, or not. But she could no longer harm Ruth, and she could not hurt my soul, unless I gave it to her.” (p. 246)
Isabel's attitude shifts from hopeless and depressed to driven, resilient, and ready to fight back.
What is the name of the battle that George Washington leads and is considered a "turning point" in the war?
Grandfather, the man who runs the Tea Water Pump, told Isabel that she needed to find the ___________ ___________ and cross it. This also foreshadows Isabel and Curzon's escape.
River Jordan
How does Isabel get Curzon out of the jail?
She tells him to pretend he is dead, puts him with other dead soldiers in a wheelbarrow, and rolls them out to be buried.
What does this quote show us about Madam, her character, and her motivations?
"Becky watched me go to and fro. "The sweet milk Madam made up? I figure it contained a sleep potion, knocked you out cold so they could spirit her away. I am dreadful, powerful sorry, but they sold her away from you."
Student responses will vary. BT and Hakes will determine if it is correct or not.
The title of the novel is, "Chains" from the "Seeds of America" Trilogy. How does the book and trilogy's title connect to the storyline?
Student responses will vary. BT and Hakes will determine if it is correct or not.