Analysis Of Chains By Laurie Halse Anderson

In the book Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, Isabel is kindhearted.This is shown in chapter 5 when she protects her little sister, Ruth, from being harmed by Mrs. Lockton. When the sisters arrive to New York City, they overhear Madam’s argument with a cargo inspector over having her chest full of underclothes searched. This is a humorous scene, but while Isabel knows not to laugh, Ruth accidentally laughs. Feeling offended, Mrs. Lockton announces, “‘Which one of you made that noise’”(33)? Instead of blaming Ruth, Isabel lies, “‘I did, ma’am’”(33). After saying this, Madam slaps Isabel so hard she falls to the ground. This proves that Isabel is kindhearted because she protects Ruth from getting hit by receiving the painful hit herself. Another