Characters
This character is a young black girl who was sold to the Lockton family. She is a resilient character who fights for her freedom through the entirety of Chains.
Who is Isabel/Sal?
This state is the location of almost all of Chains. It is a war-torn, rundown area with soldiers and prisons all around.
What is New York/York?
In this Literature Circle section, the New York/York area had been set ablaze! "When I woke up, the city of New York was consumed with a burning hellfire." (190) We also see Curzon's new living area, becoming a new setting for the book.
What is LC #4?
This theme was represented throughout the whole book by the events taking place, Isabel's reputation, and the title (Chains).
What is slavery?
"I was confuddled" (274)
What is confuddled?
Confuddled means: Confused.
This character was an important side kick to the main character. He dawned a red hat and was a slave owned by a rebel commander.
Who is Curzon?
What year was Chains set in?
What is 1776?
In this part in the book, Isabel gets branded with an I for Insolence, as she attempts to escape from the Locktons. She fails, however, evident by the quote "I bolted for the open window. I almost made it." (140). She wakes up in Lady Isabel's house, and later leaves to break ties with Curzon.
What is Lit Circle #3?
This theme was strongly represented by Isabel and Ruth, as well as Mr. Lockton and Madam Lockton. Isabel and Ruth's strong love for their mother also represents this theme.
What is family?
"Lockton and Madam retired upstairs..." (62)
What is Madam?
Madam means: Formal way of addressing a female.
This side character is the young sister of the main character. She was prone to seizures and was hidden from her sister.
Who is Ruth?
This spot is somewhat of a safe place for Isabel to be in. She first goes here when she is finished being shipped, and she awakens here after being branded and locked up.
What is Lady Seymour's home?
In this Lit Circle, Isabel and Ruth are sold to the Lockton family for "'two for the price of one'" (18) after her previous master died. Isabel tried to defend her rights, but nothing ever came of that.
What is Lit circle #1?
This theme is shown via the prisons, slave torture, etc. around New York. An event in the book which strongly represents this theme is Isabel being branded.
What is law/order/censorship?
"Goldbuttons took a hasty bite of cheese before speaking" (87).
What is hasty?
Hasty means: Quick; speedily.
This character is a slave owner, loyalist, and heavily impacts Isabel as a whole. She is cruel liar through the book.
Who is Madam Lockton?
This setting, introduced later in the book, is frequently visited by Isabel. Curzon is kept in this location.
What is the rebel prison?
This section is when everything concludes. Isabel and Curzon escape New York to go find Ruth. "I think we just crossed the river Jordan" (300). Isabel leaves Madam and Mr. Lockton to rot, and she gives her farewell to Lady Seymour, who funds her before she flees.
What is LC #5?
This theme is constantly going on in the book, whether it be through the revolution going on or Isabel going against slavery.
What is warfare?
"The food arrived long before sunup" (208).
What is sunup?
Sunup means: Dawn; morning.
Throughout the entire book, this character nurtures Isabel and treats her as a real person. She falls ill, but she is not forgotten by Isabel after she flees town.
Who is Lady Seymour?
This location is always terrible for Isabel, with all of the British soldiers and other slaves and the cruel Lockton family.
What is the Lockton's house?
In this Lit Circle, King George brought in many troops. We're also introduced to Elihu, one of Lady Seymour's girls, who then is set free. "Telling her that Elihu will be set free." (78).
What is LC #2?
This theme is a strong idea throughout the book. Isabel strongly emitted this theme as the book went on. This theme is also one of the main reasons why we read Chains.
What is identity?
"And you will curb your tendencies to talk" (21)
What is curb?
Curb means: restrain; keep in check.