Chains By Laurie Halse Anderson

It is a strange thing to think that a rich and greedy woman could have large similarities to a poor slave girl, taken away from her family at such a young age. Yet, this theory is not completely far-fetched. The story “Chains” by Laurie Halse Anderson opens up revealing Isabel’s character to the audience, and allows a first impression. She’s a curious and kind-hearted girl who has a younger sister, and her master had just previously died. She was promised freedom in her master’s will, but was sold at a tavern by her master’s nephew. She was given to the Lockton’s home, where she met Madam Lockton. She is a complex woman who is tarnished with greed and power. Yet, she is still abused by her husband. She hides her flaws and uses Isabel as an

Isabel is blamed for things she had never done and she’s even beaten for it. She is mistreated and does not deserve it. Madam is also beat, by her husband. She is also mistreated and she puts it on Isabel to give her a sense of power. The first example that shows Madam being abused is described in this scene, “Once the fighting had ended and the master had been served his meal, I took a cool compress and mug of cold ale up to Madam. As she applied the compress to her swollen, split lip, she scolded me for not scraping candle wax that had dripped onto the floor. “It caused me to fall,” She said. “Do you see what your clumsiness had cost me?” We both knew it was a lie. There was no wax on the floor. A few drops of blood stained the edge of the carpet. “What do you have to say for yourself?” She asked. I didn't like picking up the blame and carrying it, but I had no choice. I bowed my head. “I beg forgiveness, ma’am, and promise it will not happen again.” She removed the compress and winced. “It had better not.” Madam Lockton was beaten by her husband, and obviously is embarrassed or simply abusing her power by blaming it on Isabel. She claims she was injured due to candle wax that was left on the floor, but Isabel knows that had not happened. Madam is still beaten but doesn’t want to accept it. There are many times that Isabel is shown being beaten or

Madam Lockton is a deeply flawed character who is motivated by her own self-interest and greed. She is willing to go to great lengths to maintain her social status and wealth, even if it means using and abusing those around her. Isabel, on the other hand, is a more sympathetic character, but she too has her flaws. She can be hot-headed and impulsive, and she sometimes makes poor decisions in tense situations that put her and those around her in danger. Both women and complex characters who are not easily defined by their actions and motivations. “ “Ruth!” I screamed up the staircase. “Stop, Isabel!” Becky grabbed my arm and pulled me backward, clamping a flour-covered hand over my mouth. “You can’t storm around her like a banshee. Madam will beat you bloody. Me too.” I pushed her hand away and wiped off the flour. “Where is she? What did they do to her?” “She’s gone,” Becky Said. “Gone?” I repeated. “Gone where?” Becky studied her shoes again. “Sold.” (pg. 132)” This scene perfectly shows how Isabel doesn’t always think of the consequences of her actions before deciding to act. Despite the fact that she has good intentions, her actions can get her and those around her hurt, as she and Becky could be beaten for Isabel running around the house shouting like she’s an equal to her masters. She has a complex thought process but at the same time a