Isabel
Why does Isabel claim that she and Ruth be freed after Miss Mary Finch dies?
What ailment does Ruth suffer from?
Ruth experiences seizures / falling sickness.
Where do the Locktons live?
The Locktons live in New York.
Why did Madam Lockton make such a fuss over her chest at the dock?
She refused to have it searched because it contained her "linens".
Who tried to buy Isabel and Ruth, but failed because she was outbid?
Jenny, from the tavern in Rhode Island.
What offer does Curzon give Isabel and why does she eventually give in?
Curzon offers her the job of being a spy. She eventually agrees because she believes that the rebels can help her and Ruth escape the Locktons.
What job is Ruth given by Madam Lockton?
Ruth is to be dressed up like a doll, meant to wait on Madam Lockton.
How does Master Lockton escape after the assassination plot is revealed?
He hid in a cheese crate and was shipped out.
What name does Madam Lockton give Isabel and why does she do this?
Madam Lockton renames Isabel Finch to Sal Lockton. Madam does this to reinforce how Isabel belongs to her and that Isabel has no freedom, even over her own name.
Who is hanged when the assassination plot is revealed?
Thomas Hickey is hanged.
Name one characteristic that Isabel has and use an example from the text to support this.
Examples: brave, intelligent, strong, caring, self-sacrificing.
Name one characteristic that Ruth has and use an example from the text to support this.
Examples: timid, aloof, gentle, quiet, caring, naive.
Why does Master Lockton pretend to be a rebel when he is not?
Name one characteristic that Madam Lockton has and use an example from the text to support this.
Examples: demanding, disrespectful, entitled, abused, abusive.
What happened after Isabel told Master Bellingham about the chest full of money?
Master Bellingham and his supporters raid the Locktons' house, and demand that the chest be opened. The chest is full of dirty laundry.
Why does Isabel insist on seeing Colonel Regan after running away and why can't he help her?
Isabel went straight to Colonel Regan to reveal the attempted assassination plot and feels that she would be helped because of the information she shared. When she comes to him after running away from Madam, he must release her to Madam Lockton because Isabel is her "property."
Describe what happens to Ruth when she "falls".
Ruth is unable to have any control over her body. Her arms and legs move around and she sometimes hits her head against the ground.
Why does Master Lockton allow Isabel to be in the room when he is speaking to other loyalists?
Master Lockton does not see Isabel as a "person". He simply needs her there to serve them food and drink. She also acts sleepy and pretends to not pay attention to the men.
How does Isabel come to discover that Madam Lockton is being abused by her husband?
Isabel and Becky overhear the Locktons arguing when Master Lockton returns from being arrested. He had shouted, hurt her, and threw things. Madam Lockton's lip had been bleeding.
Explain the attempted assassination plot.
Master Lockton and his supporters planned to kill General Washington. They believed killing him would cause the rebels to fall apart.
Why was Isabel branded with the letter "I" and what did it mean to her?
Why is Madam Lockton insistent on selling Ruth and who stops her?
Madam Lockton believes Ruth's falling sickness is a sign of being possessed and that she would be a useless worker. Master Lockton insists that Ruth is harmless and thinks that the sisters should stay together.
What does Master Lockton ask for from the mayor and Goldbuttons and why?
Master Lockton asks for a list of names of the people that know of the assassination plot. It would serve as insurance should Master Lockton be arrested. It would motivate them to call for his release.
What was the intended punishment that the judge was to give Isabel and what was the punishment that Madam Lockton insisted should be given instead?
The judge intended to punish Isabel with twenty lashes, but Madam insisted she be branded with the letter "I" for insolence - to warn people of what she is like and to serve as a reminder for Isabel.
Explain how Lady Seymour different from the Locktons and use an example from the text to support this.
Lady Seymour treats Isabel kindly. She offers to have her sit while she speaks to her. She gives her milk and cookies - feeds her before asking her to run errands for her.