CHAINS

1. Bibliography

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. Chains. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 1416905855

2. Plot Summary

            Isabel was born as a slave. She is presented with freedom, and when it is taken from her she can’t let it go. Isabel and her sister are sold to a New York family, and must face new challenges. She desires freedom, a freedom that the Americans are fighting for as well with the Revolutionary War. This story is filled with the desire for freedom and the fight that accompanies that desire.

3. Critical Analysis

            Set in during the Revolutionary War, the characters are in a state of rebellion. Sides are clearly set and lines drawn between those who desire freedom, and those who wish for the war to end. New York is vividly described, as is the areas which Isabel must frequent. Isabe’ls first view of the Lockton household is presented in vivid detail:

            “The house was made of blocks of cream-colored stone and was wider 
             from side to side than Jenny’s tavern. I tilted my head up and 
             counted: four floors, each with big windows facing the street. There 
             were balcony railings on the roof. There were even windows peeking 
             out at foot-level, cellar windows, which meant five stories in one 
             house” (Anderson, 42).

This same amount of detail is given throughout the story to the setting and the characterization of the people in the story. The main characters are strong and well defined through Isabel’s perspective. The only character which seems to need more detail is Curzon, who disappears and reappears throughout the story. He seems to become a major character, but little is known or understood about who he is, and some minor characters get just as much if not more detail.  Being in Isabel’s story it is necceasry that some time period language is used, but Laurie Halse Anderson does not use an excessive amount of period spelling. This helps the story to continue to flow, as the plot is moved forward. The plot remains on Isabel’s desire for freedom and the Revolutionary War surrounding her. While there is a bit of stereotyping, the history presented is both good and bad. There are a few surprises in the plot and character actions, which keeps the reader interested in the story. Overall, this story makes for a great supplemental work about slavery or the American Revolution.

4. Reviews

2009- Scott O’Dell Award

National Book Award Finalist

Kirkus Review; “…Anderson brilliantly recreates New York City in the summer of 1776, viewed through the eyes of a remarkable heroine. Taught to read by her previous owner, Isabel knows the Bible and has memorized poetry, and her eloquent first-person voice portrays her life as a slave even as she spies for the rebels, covertly delivers food to Bridewell Prison and plots her own escape. Readers will care deeply about Isabel and may feel frustrated by the abrupt ending to the novel, clearly poised for a sequel or two…”

From School Library Journal; “…With short chapters, each beginning with a historical quote, this fast-paced novel reveals the heartache and struggles of a country and slave fighting for freedom. The characters are well developed, and the situations are realistic. An author's note gives insight into issues surrounding the Revolutionary War and the fight for the nation's freedom even though 20 percent of its people were in chains. Well researched and affecting in its presentation, the story offers readers a fresh look at the conflict and struggle of a developing nation.”

5. Connections

* Make a map of New York as Isabel knew it. Mark all the places which play a role in the story. Use resources from the internet to confirm the placement of historical places.

* Make a chart of the different characters which presents their view on what is going on and what side they are on.

 * Draw or make a model of the Lockton house as described from Isabel’s point of view.

* Make a list of the items that were taken or destroyed so that the Americans could continue the fight. Confirm the historical accuracy of the list by using any resources available.

           

* Similar books:

            Goodman, Joan Elizabeth. Hope’s Crossing. ISBN 0698118073

Paulson, Gary. Woods Runner. ISBN 0385738846

Banks, Sara Harrell. Abraham’s Battle: A Novel of Gettysburg. ISBN 0689840462