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.