GENRE 5: Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Bibliography
Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. Chains. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781416905851

Plot Summary
Thirteen-year-old Isabel is a slave in Rhode Island during the onset of the American Revolution. Promised freedom upon the death of her mistress, Isabel is shocked and angered when she and her sister Ruth are sold to the Locktons, a cruel New York couple who are loyal to the British Crown. Upon arriving in Manhattan, Isabel is immediately introduced to the Locktons’ cruelty when she is slapped and humiliated by Madam Lockton at the docks. As she is sent away on her first errand for the Locktons, Isabel meets Curzon, a slave who works for a master with ties to the Patriots. Curzon encourages Isabel to spy on the Locktons, enticing her with the promise of freedom and protection if she provides useful information. Torn at first, Isabel eventually provides several pieces of information to the Patriots when the Locktons do the unthinkable to Ruth.

Though Isabel risks her life to get the information to the Patriots, she is denied her freedom and is branded with an “I” for “insolence” when she is discovered by the Locktons and attempts to run away. After her branding, Isabel continues working for the Locktons, though her spirit has been somewhat broken. When the British invade and capture New York, the Locktons host several British officers in their home. Isabel learns that Curzon has been captured with his regiment of Patriot soldiers and his being held captive in dismal conditions. In order to help him, Isabel must once again turn spy and provide information about the Locktons to the Patriots. When Madam Lockton once again learns of her treachery, she threatens to sell Isabel, thus setting in motion Isabel’s eventual escape with Curzon in an effort to forge a new life for herself.

Critical Analysis
Anderson has created a multi-layered story told through the first person point of view of a teenaged slave. Set during the American Revolution, the story draws readers in and holds them captive until the very end. Through the use of poetic language and vivid imagery, the reader gets a sense of what life was like in New York during 1776 as a nation fought and struggled to gain its freedom. The novel’s pacing is gripping and keeps the reader engaged. Plot events flow seamlessly together without the feeling that they are being forced or contrived for the purpose of furthering the story. Though there is some violence in the book, the descriptions are true to life and fit with the narrative rather than feeling gratuitous.

The characters in the novel are deftly portrayed and believable. Anderson does a fine job of showing the complexity of human nature when at war by making sure that not all Loyalists or Patriots are depicted as “good” or “bad.” The main antagonist, Madam Lockton, will be loathed by readers for her cruelty and self indulgent behavior. Several of the characters that show charity to Isabel, such as Lady Seymour, earn the sympathy and approval of readers. In Isabel, the protagonist, Anderson has created a character that is intelligent, resourceful, and complex. Readers empathize with Isabel as she struggles with her decision to become a spy and provide information on the Locktons. They feel her pain, anger and despair when she loses Ruth through Madam Lockton’s cruelty. Isabel’s hope for a better future is evident in her determination to escape her life and find her sister. Readers will care deeply about Isabel as they experience the emotional rollercoaster she rides throughout the course of the novel.

The themes in the novel are varied and include race, slavery, ethics, freedom, loyalty, self discovery, and the chains people bear. The novel is aptly titled and is symbolic of the physical and emotional chains worn by the characters and a nation struggling to gain its freedom. As the main character, Isabel had several chains to cast off throughout the course of the novel such as her agony over having her freedom denied, her anger over having Ruth sold, and her loyalty to a nation that refused to see her as a human being. The forthcoming sequel is appropriately titled “Forge” as Isabel attempts to forge a life of her own and searches for the freedom that was denied to her after her mistress’s death.

Anderson’s extensive research is evident throughout the novel. Each chapter begins with a quote from a historical document of that time, whether it is a newspaper article, a letter from Abigail Adams to her husband, or the journal of an army officer. Each quote is suited to the events in that particular chapter and gives the reader a sense of what will happen next. Anderson also includes an appendix at the end that novel that provides answers to common questions readers might have. The responses are thorough and provide more details based on the research done.

Anderson’s story of slavery, betrayal, freedom, and hope is a recommended read for middle school and high school students.

Review Excerpt(s)
2008 National Book Award finalist

2009 Scott O’Dell Award Winner

2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award

2008 ALA Best Books for Young Adults

CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book

VOYA - “Thought-provoking and emotional, Isabel's story will linger long after the last page as been read.”

School Library Journal - “Well researched and affecting in its presentation, the story offers readers a fresh look at the conflict and struggle of a developing nation.”

Connections
- Research the conditions prisoners of war were kept in during the American Revolution. Have students compare and contrast their research with the depictions in the novel.
- Study historical maps of New York and Manhattan. Have students try to locate the important places in the novel (or an approximate location).
- Discuss the different types of chores that Isabel was responsible for. Students can then write an essay comparing and contrasting the chores and responsibilities at home with those of Isabel’s.
- Compare and contrast Lady Seymour’s treatment of slaves and indentured servants with that of Madam Stockton. Discuss how this disparity among treatment of slaves was a common occurrence and reasons for this disparity.