The Freedom of Souls
“She cannot chain my soul”(246). Isabel Gardener is a young African American girl living in New York as a slave, and as such, undergoes never ending persecution. Chains is set in the 1770’s during a war between America and Britain. Slavery was very common, especially in the South, during this time. Isabel is not one to conform with the laws of society. Even battered and bruised, she fights for her own liberty, justice, and freedom. This novel displays the power of the mind, and teaches that no matter the trial or hardship, one’s soul can never be chained.
Although Isabel is physically bound to her mistress and chained to her work, her soul carries on. The one unchangeable factor Isabel holds are her thoughts and desires. She says “she cannot chain my soul. Yes, she could hurt me. She’d already done so. But what was one more beating? A flogging, even? I would bleed, or not. Scar, or not. Live, or not. But [...] she could not hurt my soul, not unless I gave it to her”(247). Isabel understands the power she holds and she uses it to her advantage. This quote not only serves as a realization to Isabel, but as a call to action to the reader. As this novel portrays the unfathomable hardships a young African American girl can overcome, it calls to the reader to break the chains from which they are bound, releasing their soul.
Chains come in innumerable forms, all forms make up hardships. Regardless of circumstance, it is important to take hold of one’s soul and hold fast to it. This is the philosophy Isabel uses. In the beginning of Chains, Isabel’s former mistress dies and she is instructed to, “go pray for her that owned you, girl”(7). This quote may seem ironic to the reader, as the slave is instructed to pray for someone who tortured and abused them, rather than seeking help themselves. However, it is an insightful foresight into the novel. The quote displays future treatment to Isabel Gardener, she is expected to be for her mistress, and her alone. Isabel does not even have the right to her own body. Just like cattle, she is to be used to the owner’s will, and eventually, mentally broken and emotionally slaughtered.
Isabel Gardner’s soul holds fast to her dear sister, Ruth. The reason for Isabel’s unchained soul is her drive to find her lost sister. In the love Isabel holds for Ruth, she has power and strength, “She did not look into my eyes, did not see the lion inside. She did not see the me of me, the Isabel”(134). This quote comes shortly after Isabel learns that Ruth has been sold, taken from her. Isabel is filled with rage, and in that moment, she learns of the power she holds. If Ruth were not a part of the novel, Isabel would not have anything driving her to reach her greatest potential. All individuals carry a propelling factor that motivates them to reach their best selves. For Isabel, that factor is Ruth, the sister she is willing to do anything for.
One’s soul cannot be chained, not unless it is given. Isabel Gardener understands that, and that understanding gives her the power to seek out liberty, justice, and freedom. When an individual has a driving factor, such as Isabel and Ruth, their desires cannot be taken from them. Isabel was broken and suffering in every movement. She was owned, she was not Isabel, she was an animal to be used for her mistress’ daily endeavors. Once Ruth was sold, Isabel broke free of the chains that held her captive. She realized that she was human, not a slave, and from that she was free.
“She cannot chain my soul”(246). Isabel Gardener is a young African American girl living in New York as a slave, and as such, undergoes never ending persecution. Chains is set in the 1770’s during a war between America and Britain. Slavery was very common, especially in the South, during this time. Isabel is not one to conform with the laws of society. Even battered and bruised, she fights for her own liberty, justice, and freedom. This novel displays the power of the mind, and teaches that no matter the trial or hardship, one’s soul can never be chained.
Although Isabel is physically bound to her mistress and chained to her work, her soul carries on. The one unchangeable factor Isabel holds are her thoughts and desires. She says “she cannot chain my soul. Yes, she could hurt me. She’d already done so. But what was one more beating? A flogging, even? I would bleed, or not. Scar, or not. Live, or not. But [...] she could not hurt my soul, not unless I gave it to her”(247). Isabel understands the power she holds and she uses it to her advantage. This quote not only serves as a realization to Isabel, but as a call to action to the reader. As this novel portrays the unfathomable hardships a young African American girl can overcome, it calls to the reader to break the chains from which they are bound, releasing their soul.
Chains come in innumerable forms, all forms make up hardships. Regardless of circumstance, it is important to take hold of one’s soul and hold fast to it. This is the philosophy Isabel uses. In the beginning of Chains, Isabel’s former mistress dies and she is instructed to, “go pray for her that owned you, girl”(7). This quote may seem ironic to the reader, as the slave is instructed to pray for someone who tortured and abused them, rather than seeking help themselves. However, it is an insightful foresight into the novel. The quote displays future treatment to Isabel Gardener, she is expected to be for her mistress, and her alone. Isabel does not even have the right to her own body. Just like cattle, she is to be used to the owner’s will, and eventually, mentally broken and emotionally slaughtered.
Isabel Gardner’s soul holds fast to her dear sister, Ruth. The reason for Isabel’s unchained soul is her drive to find her lost sister. In the love Isabel holds for Ruth, she has power and strength, “She did not look into my eyes, did not see the lion inside. She did not see the me of me, the Isabel”(134). This quote comes shortly after Isabel learns that Ruth has been sold, taken from her. Isabel is filled with rage, and in that moment, she learns of the power she holds. If Ruth were not a part of the novel, Isabel would not have anything driving her to reach her greatest potential. All individuals carry a propelling factor that motivates them to reach their best selves. For Isabel, that factor is Ruth, the sister she is willing to do anything for.
One’s soul cannot be chained, not unless it is given. Isabel Gardener understands that, and that understanding gives her the power to seek out liberty, justice, and freedom. When an individual has a driving factor, such as Isabel and Ruth, their desires cannot be taken from them. Isabel was broken and suffering in every movement. She was owned, she was not Isabel, she was an animal to be used for her mistress’ daily endeavors. Once Ruth was sold, Isabel broke free of the chains that held her captive. She realized that she was human, not a slave, and from that she was free.