BRAVERY AND COURAGE THEMES IN CHAINS

BRAVERY AND COURAGE THEMES IN CHAINS

Introduction

Among the novels describing the American trilogy seeds, the novel Chains which is written by Laurie Halse Anderson, an American writer who is known for her deep interest in writing about children and young adult novels was ranked as the first novel with its series of historical stories based on an eleven- year- old Isabel story; an American black slave who is fighting for the freedom of her younger sister (Ruth) and herself while revolutionary war is taking place. The story was set in New York between 1776 and 1777 when slavery among the colonies was legal and common. The novel is basically fictional but the story events actual as reflected during the colonial period, for instance, the failed plans which aimed at assassinating George Washington and which were preceded by one of the conspirators being hanged. Throughout the story, Isabel appears to be more determined to gain liberty for herself and her young sister. Through her attempts, the two themes of Bravery and Courage are set profound as the big themes of the novel.

With an aim of securing freedom for herself and her young sister, Isabel sneaks out of the Lockton’s estate and goes to seek Curzon when she very well understands the grave repercussions which may befall her in the event that she is caught. This demonstrates bravery and courage at the highest degree. This is fueled by her concern to her sister Ruth who breaks into tears in front of her after being mistreated by Mrs. Lockton during the day. Following the disturbance out of such an act to her sibling whom she is supposed to be responsible for her, she takes a step of courage by taking Curzon’s offer of becoming a spy on behalf of rebels and which she believed would enable her secure freedom for herself and her young sister. Though placing herself under greater jeopardy she managed to get back without being noticed.

In chapter three of the book, the step of Isabel to respond on Madam Lockton before Mr. Robert is a bravery indication. This takes place during the time when Locktons are making decision on whether they should purchase Isabel and her young sister Ruth. Madam Lockton is confident to purchase Isabel but she is hesitating on the case of Ruth because she was mentally handicapped.  So, when Lockton asks Robert on his opinion is when Isabel responds even before Robert can answer. As a black slave, this is a bold and brave move because blacks were only entitled to be seen and not to be heard. They were considered as equals of animals and therefore, Isabel’s response out of turn was a risk of possible beating which could not be taken by a coward person.

At a certain incidence when madam Lockton starts to beat Ruth with a broom, Isabel decides to throw herself on top of her sister to take the blows on her behalf. This is an act of bravery. This takes place after Ruth undergoes a seizure in front of madam Lockton. This makes madam Lockton to believe that Ruth was under devil possession and therefore starts beating her with a broom before Isabel decided to take the beatings intended for her sister as she quotes “NO! I threw myself on top of my sister. The broom came down my back once, twice, but still it didn’t matter. I had to keep my sister safe until the storm passed.”

Conclusion

These and several other incidences which involve Isabel taking risks beyond expectations are clear indications of bravery and courageous acts throughout the book. Combined with other character actions in the novel like Curzon, bravery and courage theme outdo any other themes evident in the novel like family, friendship and identity. This qualifies the two themes, Bravery and Courage as the big themes of this novel.

Work cited

Walsh, Laura Anne. Get real, girl: You’ll never be perfect: An analysis and comparison of feminine identity construction in popular teen magazines and the novels of Laurie Halse        Anderson. Arizona State University, 2010.