Chains
Transcript: Akeria Shoto Chains by: Laurie Halse Anderson main characters: The main characters are Isabel, a thirteen-year-old slave who works for the Locktons, a Loyalist family in New York with her sister, Ruth who is also a main character, who is 5 years old. They both suffer brutal punishments and discover the true meaning of trust when their lives are put in jeopardy.Curzon is also another main character, the boy she met on her first day in New York. He soon helps Isabel plot their escape to freedom, which had been promised to Isabel and her sister upon Mrs. Finch's, their owner's, death. Setting: The setting was during the Revolutionary War in 1776 and 1777, which was a time when tensions between loyalists and patriots were high. Isabel and Ruth are sold to a cruel loyalist family living in New York. When they arrive at the Lockton's house they are provided with a small room, in which they went to when their chores were done. This is also where they were told that they would be there for a while because they were useless. Setting's influence on the mood: This made Isabel become determined and self-confident, even though people told her that she wouldn't be able to make it on her own because they were African American slaves. This made Isabel angry ,and she became determined to prove the others wrong that doubted her. Also, to stand up for her sister, she was eager to voice her opinion. Basic plot: A thirteen-year old girl,Isabel, begins her jouney in Rhode Island on the day of the funeral of her owner, Miss Mary Finch, . She taught her slaves to read and write and she assured her will to include the freedom of her slaves upon her death. Unfortunately, Miss Finch's scandalous nephew has inherited her estate and sells Isabel and her five-year old sister Ruth the same day as the funeral. Isabel and Ruth are bought by wealthy Loyalists, the Locktons, and taken to New York City. Isabel has her first lesson on how she should take her life into her own hands when she and Ruth are standing in the diner waiting to be sold. But, Jenny, a servant and friend of her mother's, warns Isabel about running. Isabel follows her advice, but lives to regret it. Once in the Lockton's home, their mistress proves to be a cruel, vengeful woman who takes her miseries out on Isabel. In addition to anxiety over the coming war and the safety of her walnut chest, she and her husband have issues with their marriage. It is a violent marriage, where they are both verbally and physically abused. Setting: 1776 in New York City at the Lockton's house. 1776 in Rhode Island Isabel's and Ruths former home.