Lady Seymour seems to sympathize with Isabel and Ruth's plight but does not intervene too much. Isabel is told by Curzon that helping the Patriots could secure her own liberty but is disillusioned when she goes to Colonel Regan for help and is turned away. Throughout the novel, it is not clear who the 'good guys' are. The hypocrisy of the Patriots seeking independence from Great Britain when there were half a million people enslaved in the colonies is glaring. When she is branded, Madam Lockton uses 'I' for 'insolence' but Isabel discovers her scar can symbolize her real name, her inner strength, and her ability to survive, just as her father's African mark symbolized positive virtues in his culture.

The Lockton's try to erase her identity by forcing the name Sal and brutally ignoring her humanity. The dehumanization of slavery is a central theme of the novel and so is Isabel's quest to reclaim her identity and humanity.

All of these friendships help Isabel throughout the novel gain the strength she needs to carry on. Lady Seymour's kindness is an unexpected sympathy that surprises Isabel. She also is given advice and kind words from Grandfather by the Tea Water Pump. Isabel is not shown much kindness throughout the book but she does develop a friendship with Curzon who is loyal to her and helps her after her brutal punishment. She is sister Ruth's caretaker and after the Locktons cruelly sell little Ruth, it gives Isabel the determination to escape in order to find her. She feels their connection throughout the novel, drawing on their love and family history to give her strength and courage to face her oppression. Isabel remembers the love of her parents despite experiencing the tragedies of the death of her Momma and sale of her Poppa. Examples of Themes found in Chains Family There are several themes present, and students should discern how these themes are developed.

In this activity, students will identify themes from the novel, and support their choices with details from the text. Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard.

Chains laurie