Let's face it: Isabel's position as a slave presents a lot of tough questions about a pretty bleak chapter of American history. Chains reminds us that there was once a time when it was considered totally okay for one human being to own another, and as a result, a key part of this book's work is its unflinching portrait of slavery's abuses to individuals and families.
But the book isn't just about racial slavery. We don't usually think of the colonies as enslaved to Britain, but in many ways, they were. In spite of growing apart from their mother country, they were still subject to the unjust abuses of power from Great Britain. As a result, Chains presents two parallels stories of slavery—a nation fighting for freedom, as well as a young girl's journey toward the same thing.
Questions About Slavery
- Why does Pastor Weeks consider it dangerous for slaves to be able to read? How does Isabel's experience prove this statement?
- How do Isabel's views of slavery change from the beginning of her story to the end? What happens to change them?
- How does Isabel's struggle as a slave parallels the colonies' struggle for independence from the British?
- What ultimately pushes Isabel to seek her freedom?
Chew on This
Isabel's ability to read is directly tied to her ability to escape from slavery.
Madam Lockton's inhumane treatment enables Isabel to pursue freedom.