The novel Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson is set in the 1770's in New York and follows the life of a young African American girl named Isabel Gardener. She is filled with the tragedies of life; early on she loses her mother and father and then her only sibling, Ruth. Everyday Isabel is driven as cattle and forced to work for her right to live. Slavery takes over her every move and she finds herself working for a heartless white woman. This woman, Anne Lockton, feels a need to treat her help like animals and beat them whenever the opportunity arises.
America and Britain are at war during this time and the book alludes to various aspects of war as it strictly follows the life of Isabel Gardener. Soon, Ruth is sold and Isabel is left alone. She finds herself deeply involved in the war, working with both the loyalists and the rebels to find freedom and rescue her sister from the bonds of slavery.
Through the entirety of the novel, the reader sees hardships and the cruelty of slavery conveyed in Anderson's words. The reader also takes note of the friendships that come as a result of Isabel's loyalty and compassion. Isabel soon realizes that she can provide her own freedom and through this she finds her identity. She comes to the understanding that she is not an animal, she is not a slave, but rather, a human being and she is free.
America and Britain are at war during this time and the book alludes to various aspects of war as it strictly follows the life of Isabel Gardener. Soon, Ruth is sold and Isabel is left alone. She finds herself deeply involved in the war, working with both the loyalists and the rebels to find freedom and rescue her sister from the bonds of slavery.
Through the entirety of the novel, the reader sees hardships and the cruelty of slavery conveyed in Anderson's words. The reader also takes note of the friendships that come as a result of Isabel's loyalty and compassion. Isabel soon realizes that she can provide her own freedom and through this she finds her identity. She comes to the understanding that she is not an animal, she is not a slave, but rather, a human being and she is free.
Themes
Friends Among Enemies Strength within fear Freedom from Captivity
Monumental Quote
"She cannot chain my soul."(246)
This quote comes from Isabel Gardener as she realizes she can be tortured physically, but her soul will forever live on. This relates to many individuals as their own personal trials hold them captive. Although there are many hardships that hold back people physically, it is through their soul that they can be made whole. Just as Isabel, as long as they are in control of their soul they are on their way to freedom, they are not chained.
This quote comes from Isabel Gardener as she realizes she can be tortured physically, but her soul will forever live on. This relates to many individuals as their own personal trials hold them captive. Although there are many hardships that hold back people physically, it is through their soul that they can be made whole. Just as Isabel, as long as they are in control of their soul they are on their way to freedom, they are not chained.
Argument Overview
No matter trial or hardship, one’s soul can never be chained.
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