REVISED Chains (#1) by Laurie Halse Anderson

Chains (the first half)

By Laurie Halse Anderson

Essay based off the question: What really hard things are happening in this text? Are these things happening in the world now? Where?

In my life today, I am always complaining about the “hardships” in my life: my homework, my little sister, my parents, and even walking to school in the rain. I always regret complaining about it later because I know my life could be much worse. In the book, Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, the main character Isabel faces many actual hardships. She deals with being a slave, and everything that comes with that, during the time where the Revolutionary War is about to take place. These issues are also seen in the world today as well.

Isabel and her little sister, Ruth, are both slaves who had just been sold against their wills to two new masters who live in New York. Isabel is trying to find a way to bring Ruth and herself back to their rightful home in Rhode Island, so that they can live out their days in freedom. Isabel struggles to hold her tongue in front of her masters because she knows that it is her right to be free. For instance, when Isabel is upset that Madam Lockton I treating Ruth poorly, she thinks, “I took another breath, slower than the first, and tried not to think about the freshly sharpened knives on the kitchen steps” (Anderson 56). This shows that Isabel has to hide her true feelings about Madam Lockton. She has to worry about watching her tone and what she says around her masters. This is a hard task for her because she knows that it is her right to not be a slave anymore, so she does not deserve to be treated like one. This problem can be related into the world today. Everyday I see people losing their temper, whether it’s on the phone with their coworker, or in an argument with their friends. Learning not to start a fight by holding your tongue is a hard thing to do, and Isabel manages to do it.

During the time period of the book Chains, the Revolutionary War is becoming more of a realistic concept then just an idea. Isabel hopes to assist the rebels to earn her way out of New York and back to Rhode Island. Little does she know that she is helping the Revolutionary War start. For example, Isabel eavesdrops on her master’s conversations, and takes the information to her rebel friend. Isabel says:

I dashed towards him, keeping to the edge of the tavern candlelight. ‘I have news.’

            ‘Of Lockton?’ [Her rebel friend, Curzon, said]

‘And more.’ I quickly told him everything I had seen and heard… ‘Will this be enough to send us home?’

            This proves that Isabel will do anything she can to get herself out of New York. Isabel starts spreading news of war which effects more then just herself. This can be related to the world today because this situation reminds me of gossip. Gossip is a huge issue today, especially within schools and on online websites. Gossip usually starts from a rumor, and if that rumor is posted online it can be spread around the world.

            Isabel is a strong girl for being able to deal with all of her hardships like holding her tongue and delivering dangerous news to get herself out of New York. Even though I have not finished the book, I know that Isabel was very brave and would stop at nothing to get what she wants. My “hardships” don’t even compare to what Isabel had to do.

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson (#2)

Grace Bugler 809

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Based on the question: How does this text address the points of view (perspectives) of other groups, especially those who usually don’t get to tell their side?

In arguments, especially with my parents, I find that I normally don’t get to tell my side of the story. In the book Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, most of the characters don’t get to tell their side either. They often do things such as random beatings or errands without reason.

            The most important perspective of the book is Isabel’s perspective. Isabel represents the difficult part of the story because she is a slave and is forced to do all of the hard work. For example, when Madam Lockton (Isabel’s master) wants the rooms cleaned she asks Isabel to all of the work:

The work of the day was simple and heavy: strip the bed, haul down the linens for to wash, clean out the hearth, open the windows and wash them inside and out, take the rugs down and beat them in the yard, sweep and mop the floor, take the rugs back in, close the windows, and give all the wood a polish. (Anderson 267)

This shows how Isabel is forced to do all of the heavy lifting. Most people associate that house slaves are treated much nicer then farming slaves. This might be true on some levels, however Isabel proves that her master does not treat her kindly. Isabel is only 13 years old and is treated like she is an adult slave. She shows the challenging life of being a slave in 1776.

            Another important perspective is Madam Lockton’s. She does not get to tell her side of the story, but she makes the reader think that she is mean and does hurtful things. If she narrated the book then the reader might find out why she is always so rude to Isabel. Her character represents the most desired part of the story. Madam Lockton is filthy rich, which leads her to think that she can do or say whatever she wants. For example, Madam Lockton decided to sell Isabel’s five-year-old sister without telling Isabel. Becky, a fellow slave tells Isabel, “‘The sweet milk Madam made up? I figure it contained a sleep potion, knocked you out cold so they could spirit her away. I am dreadful, powerful sorry, but they sold her away from you’” (Anderson 133). This proves that Madam Lockton is an unkind person who thinks she can do what she wants because she is rich, in this book nobody argues with rich people, for fear that they will hurt them. Therefore Madam uses this power to control people, including Isabel.

            The last important perspective is Lady Seymour’s. She also does not get to tell her side of the story, but it is not as important for her to narrate the book. The reader can guess that she is a kind-hearted woman from Isabel’s point of view of her. Lady Seymour represents both the most desired part of the story, and also the kindest part of the story. She is an old, rich woman, who is very wise. While most people in the book are rude to Isabel, Lady Seymour is kind to her by not yelling at her and letting her sneak away to see the prisoners. The most important kind thing she did was let Isabel take some coins from her and use them to escape from Madam Lockton. She is one of the only characters that is nice to Isabel. For example, Lady Seymour bought a warm coat and skirt for Isabel even though Isabel could not pay for them. “…included a heavy skirt and thick woolen cloak for me in the order. I protested I could not pay for the clothes… ‘We’ll not discuss payment again,’ she said slowly.” This shows how Lady Seymour was more then kind to Isabel because she gave her a new coat and skirt for free, which helped Isabel stay warm in the cold winter months. Lady Seymour showed Isabel kindness until her dying day.

            Isabel, Madam Lockton, and Lady Seymour all are very important characters in Chains. Even though only Isabel got to narrate the story, all of the characters seemed to have told their side through their actions.