Chains Hypocrisy Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

The woman in the yellow head cloth worked the pump for Grandfather. "The British promise freedom to slaves but won't give it to the white rebels," she said as she pushed the handle up and down. "The rebels want to take freedom, but they won't share it with us." (26.34)

Say what? Some of the viewpoints on slavery during the way are super confusing. Basically, the British want to help the slaves as a means of weakening the Patriots who own them. On the other hand, the rebels are really good at rationalizing their views on slavery. Everything seems totally backward, revealing the sticky nature of a slave-owning country seeking freedom.

Quote #8

I was chained between two nations. (29.50)

Isabel wants to take sides in the war—not because she feels invested in freedom for a nation, but because she wants freedom for herself. The only question is whether the Patriots or the Loyalists will do the most to help her. In the end, the answer turns out to be neither; as she discovers, both sides view enslaved people as pawns to play when they're useful, but cast aside when they aren't.

Quote #9

"You named him after the King?" Hannah asked.

"Perhaps," Sarah said cheerfully […] "A name like George is a good one on either side of the ocean." (40.28-29)

Sarah names her baby after King George. Or is it George Washington? We have no doubt that after the war, when people ask her whom she named her baby after, Sarah will make her decision based on whichever party is victorious party.