Today, family is usually a major source of support, both emotionally and practically speaking. For slave families in Isabel's time, however, white people often have little regard for the bonds between children and their parents, and at any time, without warning, you could be separated from your parents and sold to different families. In Chains, Isabel experiences the sale of both her sister and father, so she knows firsthand the pain of losing loved ones to an economic system.
She also knows, though, that her family's influence doesn't just disappear with their physical bodies. Instead her family continues to encourage her to survive even though they're no longer present. People may physically rip her family apart, but nobody gets to tear them from her heart.
Questions About Family
- What qualities does Isabel inherit from her parents? How do they empower her to protect her sister and survive in New York?
- How do the families of the Finches and Locktons differ from Isabel's family? What does this say about the effect of slavery on parents and children?
- Momma is dead, Poppa was sold to a different family long ago, and for most of the book, Ruth is absent after Madam Lockton sends her away. How does each of these people continue to influence Isabel even after they're gone?
- What risks does Isabel take to protect her sister?
Chew on This
Momma and Poppa's examples of strength enable Isabel to persevere in the face of trials.
The Locktons' and Robert Finch's greed and self-interest serve as a contrast to Isabel's positive family environment that slavery destroyed.