Chains Hypocrisy Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

"Isabel, remember your place." Pastor Weeks fumbled with the latch on his Bible. "You and your sister belong to Mr. Robert now. He'll be a good master to you." (2.28)

Hmm… a pastor who believes in slavery. Now that's interesting, especially given that slavery shows up a lot as a theme in the Bible. Remember the Israelites being enslaved by Egypt? How about Jesus setting people free from the slavery of sin? The gesture of "fumbling" with his Bible seems to imply that Pastor Weeks recognizes the hypocritical nature of serving God and believing in the institution of slavery.

Quote #2

"We thought you were in London, Elihu."

"London? Never!" exclaimed Lockton. "England offers us nothing but taxes, stamps, and bloodshed."

"How odd. Word from Boston is that you still lick the King's boots." (5.39-41)

Elihu Lockton is the crown prince of hypocrisy. He tries to be a political chameleon and shift to the beliefs of whatever the majority view is in his present company, but he's kind of bad at it. Lockton may say he's against the British, but Bellingham is wise enough to know he doesn't mean it.

Quote #3

"Plenty of folks haven't decided which side they favor. One day they cheer General Washington, the next day they toast the King." (6.48)

Curzon's analysis of New York's critical position in the war shows the hypocritical nature of its people. The bottom line is that even today, people want to be associated with winners. It seems that undecided New Yorkers support whoever the winning side currently is—and if it changes, their views will, too.