Plot
The people who purchase Isabel and Ruth at the beginning of the novel.
Who are Madame and Master Lockton?
Isabel's primary motivation throughout Part 1 of the novel
What is protecting Ruth and staying together?
The character trait that the following quote reveals about Madam Lockton:
“The child’s curse will poison us all. I want her sold, Elihu, sold today.”
[…]
“They are sisters, Anne. One must remember that.”
“Please, Madam,” I said. “She’s too little. She’ll be hurt.”
What is heartless?
The person who said this: "Ridiculous name," ... "You are called Sal Lockton now. It's more suitable".
Who is Madam Lockton?
Describe the setting of Chains and the impact of the historical quotes at the outset of each chapter.
What is the American Revolution, NYC, and foreshadowing?
The character who first tells Isabel about the possibility of freedom in New York.
Who is Curzon?
Isabel's initial view of the Revolutionary War.
What is she remains neutral in the conflict?
The character trait revealed by the following quote: "I would turn myself over to the rebels. I had helped them fair and square. Now it was their turn."
What is trusting?
The character that said "I didn't know what they'd grow into. I didn't know if they'd grow at all".
Who is Isabel?
The symbolism of the seeds.
What is connection to home, planting roots, and Isabel's future growth?
The condition that Ruth possesses that concerns Madam Lockton & what Madam thinks is happening.
What is an epileptic seizure? and What is possessed by a demon?
The punishment Isabel receives for disobeying Madam.
The character who was hanged for his involvement in the plot to assassinate Washington.
Who is Thomas Hickey?
The theme that is demonstrated by this quote: "One by one they dragged us forward, and a man shouted out prices to the crowd of likely buyers and baby Ruth cried, and Momma shook like the last leaf on a tree, and Poppa . . . and Poppa, he didn't want them to bust up our family like we were sheep or hogs. ‘I am a man,’ he shouted . ."
What is the difficult fight for freedom?
The symbolism of name changes of the protagonist.
What is forging an identity and dehumanization?
The ulterior motive behind Madam's obscurely timed "kindness"
What is drugging Isabel and selling Ruth?
The character who shows the most unexpected kindness to Isabel.
Who is Lady Seymour?
Inference drawn about Isabel from the following quote: "I picked up a sliver of lead that lay in the street. It was fringed with gilt; my own piece of majesty. Tyrants beware, I thought as I put it in my pocket."
What is she's feeling more invested in the patriot cause/more loyal to them?
The emotion associated with this piece of imagery: "My momma and poppa appeared from the shadows. They flew to me and wrapped their arms around me and cooled my face with their ghost tears. Night crept into my soul."
What is devastation, defeat, and lifelessness?
The symbolism of "ad astra"
What is a visceral reminder of hope and freedom (politically and personally)? Betrayal?
List the actions Isabel takes as a spy from the start of the story to the end of part 1.
What is revealing the bribery scheme to Curzon and then stealing the list of conspirators in Washington's assassination attempt to Colonel Reagan?
Describe Isabel's form of resistance to her enslavement.
What is mental fortitude? What is acting as a spy? What is running away? What is blatant defiance?
The character trait this reveals in Lady Seymour: “She is not suffering her particular ailment, is she?” Madam asked, her voice cutting like a blade.
“No, ma’am,” I lied again. “She helped carry out the ashes this morning, and it tired her.”
Madam glared a moment longer.
Lady Seymour stepped in front of Madam. “The heat affects small children more than most. Make sure your sister drinks some water before any more chores.”
What is compassion toward Isabel and Ruth?
Emotion associated with this example of imagery: "The words tasted bitter. Being loyal to the one who owned me gave me prickly thoughts, like burrs trapped in my shift, pressing into my skin with every step"
What is discomfort and unsettled?
The symbolism of the letter I.
What is "insolence," identity, innocence, and Isabel?