Ch. 6
Who guides Isabel through New York and explains the Tea Water Pump?
Bonus $100: Who is this person's owner?
(You will not lose points if you guess the bonus incorrectly.)
Curzon
Bonus $100: Master Bellingham
Why does Isabel feel relief when she sees her sister Ruth outside peeling potatoes?
Isabel knows Ruth is safe and unharmed.
Excerpt: “At the end of every scolding, I cast down my eyes and said, ‘Yes, Madam.’”
What does Isabel’s reaction to Madam’s constant criticism show about her character?
She understands how to protect herself by staying cautious and respectful.
Why does Madam insist on renaming Isabel “Sal Lockton”?
To erase Isabel’s past and assert complete control over her identity.
Why does Isabel risk sneaking out at night despite knowing the severe consequences if she is caught?
She feels compelled to act because the safety and freedom of herself and Ruth depend on it.
When Curzon says, “New York is a ball tossed between the Loyalists and Patriots,” what does he mean?
People in New York switch sides between Loyalists and Patriots.
She is strict, practical, and focused on following orders. However, she is also caring.
Excerpt:
"I forgot myself and sat down across from Becky.
'She’s making Ruth into a curiosity?'
Becky nodded. 'Aye, that’s a good word for it.'
I went cold with anger, then hot, then cold again. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t right for one body to own another or pull strings to make them jump.”
Which internal conflict is Isabel struggling with at this moment?
She feels trapped between obeying orders and defending her sister’s freedom.
How do the men in the library treat Isabel while they speak of money and politics?
As invisible until they need something served.
Why does Isabel carefully remind herself she is “on her way to the privy” as she moves through the house?
She is trying to convince herself it is safe to leave, using a plausible excuse in case she is discovered.
How does Isabel’s concern for Ruth reveal her character?
She is protective, responsible, and prioritizes Ruth’s well-being over other concern
When Isabel enters the front entry hall, she sees a grandfather clock “pecking away at the hour as if a crow trapped inside were trying to break loose.” How does this description contribute to the mood of the scene?
It emphasizes tension and unease, hinting at Isabel’s nervousness.
Throughout the chapter, Isabel feels tense, trapped, and uncertain about what will happen to Ruth.
What best describes the tone of this chapter?
Nervous and fearful
When Isabel overhears Lockton say, “Compliments of His Majesty, gentlemen. There’s enough money here to bribe half of the rebel army,” what conclusion does she draw that motivates her next action?
She realizes her master is committing treason and that she might use this knowledge to her advantage by sharing the information with Curzon.
How does the author use the city at night to heighten tension during Isabel’s escape?
By highlighting the presence of soldiers, noisy taverns, and shadowy streets, creating fear and suspense
In the passage, Curzon says: “You are a small black girl, Country… You are a slave, not a person. They’ll say things in front of you they won’t say in front of the white servants.” How does this reveal the opportunities Isabel will have to gain important information?
It indicates that being a slave limits her actions but allows her to overhear secrets others wouldn’t share, giving her a unique advantage. They will share secrets around her because they don't see her as anything other than a piece of property.
Becky tells Isabel, “Listen to me good. Them that feeds us… they’re Loyalists, Tories. That means we’re Tories, too, understand?” What can readers infer about the challenges Isabel faces in understanding loyalty in New York?
Isabel is in a challenging spot because Curzon wants her to spy for the Patriots, however, her owners are loyalists. She will need to make sure that they appear to be following the same side as the owners to not cause trouble.
Becky warns Isabel not to “lose her head” and reminds her that Madam once beat another enslaved girl with a poker.
What does this reveal about Becky's character?
Becky is looking out for the girls the best she can.
What irony does Isabel recognize as she overhears the men discussing freedom and loyalty?
The men fight for liberty while denying freedom to others like Isabel.
Name one internal struggle in the chapter where Isabel sneaks out to meet Curzon and one external struggle.
Internal: Debating on whether to leave the gate since it could meet capture and severe punishment.
External: Isabel is faced with many obstacles on the street such as the soldiers and the confusing city streets.
Part 1: Late in the chapter, Curzon says: “All you have to do is to listen for talk of the King’s troops… You might be better served if you placed your loyalty with us.” How does this conversation foreshadow Isabel’s future challenges and the moral decisions she will face in the story?
Part 2: What type of conflict is this creating?
**YOU MUST ANSWER BOTH PARTS CORRECTLY TO GET THE POINTS**
Part 1: It suggests she may have to act as a spy, balancing her personal loyalty to her family with the potential benefits of helping the Patriots, creating internal conflict.
Part 2: Internal conflict
Read this excerpt: Becky fought to open the final window. A cool breeze flowed through the room and stirred the dust. “He was faking to protect his skin. Some folks switch back and forth. One day they’re for the King, the next, it’s all ‘liberty and freedom, huzzah’! A tribe of Mr. Facing-Both-Ways, that’s what you’ll find in New York.
Part 1: Who is Becky talking about in this passage?
Part 2: Why is this person pretending to be something he isn't?
**YOU MUST ANSWER BOTH PARTS OF THE QUESTION CORRECTLY FOR POINTS**
Part 1: Master Lockton
Part 2: Bellingham is searching for Loyalists that are working directly with the king. If Lockton is caught, he could be arrested. He has to pretend to be a Patriot, so he can stay out of jail and remain in NYC.
Isabel compares her life to a “knot,” saying she knows it’s a knot but doesn’t know how to untie it.
What does this symbol represent?
The tangled and trapped state of her life under slavery
As Isabel stands silently in the corner of the library, how does the author use her point of view to reveal the power dynamics in the room?
Isabel’s silence and invisibility emphasize her lack of power compared to the men.
How does Isabel feel after delivering the information to Curzon and receiving his instructions?
She is relieved, however, she expected immediate freedom. She is apprehensive about going back and waiting.