Plot Events
What country are the Hessian soldiers from?
Germany
Why does Madam increase her punishment of Isabel in these chapters?
Because Isabel tried to help Curzon and disobeyed her.
What daily chore does Isabel do that allows her to overhear important conversations?
Serving food or pouring tea while the Locktons meet (allowing her to overhear).
What big problem are the Patriots facing during these chapters?
The Patriots are running out of supplies and losing battles.
What does the branding “I” on Isabel’s cheek come to symbolize for her?
It symbolizes her oppression and the control others have over her., "Insolence"
What warning does Isabel overhear that makes her worry about Curzon’s safety?
She overhears that Curzon and other Patriot prisoners may be mistreated or executed.
What does Becky warn Isabel about when Madam becomes angry?
That Madam is dangerous and unpredictable when angry.
Who does Isabel see at the dock when "getting items" from the store for Madam Lockton?
Elihu Lockton
What does Isabel learn about the British plans that could affect the city?
She learns the British may attack New York soon.
What theme is shown when Isabel chooses to help Curzon despite the risks?
Loyalty, courage, and the cost of doing what’s right.
What item does Isabel secretly deliver to help the Patriots?
Messages/notes to the Patriot side (especially information about Loyalist plans).
How does Curzon encourage Isabel, even from prison?
He tells her not to give up and reminds her that she is strong.
What does Isabel notice about Lady Seymour’s health during this section?
She is weak and shaken after the fire, and her health worsens.
Why do the Locktons grow more nervous as the war gets closer to New York?
They fear retaliation and that their plans could fall apart.
What does Lady Seymour’s burned belongings symbolize about her changing circumstances?
The loss of status and power—even the wealthy are vulnerable.
What happens after Isabel tries to run away to deliver a message?
She is caught, locked in the stocks, and later branded with an “I.”
What dangerous decision does Isabel make because she feels loyal to Curzon?
To try and save him.
What valuable object does Lady Seymour ask Isabel to save during the fire?
Her portrait of herself and her husband.
What does the mayor’s secret plan involve that shocks Isabel?
To kill General Washington
What theme is revealed through Isabel’s growing courage to make her own choices?
The theme of personal freedom and inner strength. That it takes a lot of inner strength to achieve freedom.
What event leads Isabel to start planning an escape more seriously?
The branding incident and how brutally Madam treats her afterward.
What realization does Isabel come to about her own freedom during these chapters?
That no one is going to free her—she must take freedom into her own hands.
What surprising kindness does Lady Seymour show Isabel after the fire?
She offers Isabel shelter and consideration, showing genuine compassion.
How does the increasing pressure of the war change the way Loyalists treat their enslaved servants?
They become stricter, harsher, and more controlling out of fear.
What symbolic meaning does the word “chains” begin to take on for Isabel in these chapters?
The emotional, societal, and physical restraints that keep her from freedom.