Theme	Evidence / Quote	Explanation
Slavery and Oppression	“I am not free, though my paper says I am.”	Highlights the cruelty of slavery and how freedom is denied despite legal claims.
Courage and Resilience	“I must be brave if I am ever to see freedom.”	Isabel demonstrates strength and determination in the face of danger.
Identity and Self-Determination	“I am learning who I am, even under chains.”	Shows her journey toward understanding herself and claiming agency.
Loyalty and Betrayal	“The Locktons trust no one, not even their servants.”	Explores the tension between loyalty to people, country, and personal morality.
Freedom and Independence	“I will find a way to be free, even if it takes everything.”	Isabel’s ultimate goal is personal freedom and autonomy.
Family and Responsibility	“I must protect my sister, no matter the cost.”	Demonstrates the bond and responsibility Isabel feels toward Ruth.
War and Political Conflict	“The city is divided, Patriots against Loyalists, and I am caught in between.”	Shows how the Revolutionary War affects ordinary people, especially the enslaved.

Chains explores the complex and challenging experiences of a young enslaved girl, Isabel, during the American Revolutionary War. One of the most prominent themes in the novel is slavery and oppression. Isabel’s life is marked by cruelty and injustice, as she realizes that freedom on paper does not equal freedom in reality. She reflects, “I am not free, though my paper says I am,” showing how her status as property continues despite legal claims. Through this, the novel conveys the harsh realities of slavery and how deeply it affects the lives of those trapped within it.

Another central theme is courage and resilience. Isabel is constantly faced with danger, abuse, and moral dilemmas, yet she persists. She thinks, “I must be brave if I am ever to see freedom,” demonstrating her determination to survive and protect herself and her sister. Isabel’s courage is not only physical but also mental and emotional, as she navigates a world that constantly seeks to control and suppress her. Her resilience in the face of adversity drives the story and inspires readers to reflect on the strength required to overcome oppression.

The theme of identity and self-determination is also central to Isabel’s journey. Even under the constraints of slavery, she seeks to understand who she is and what she can achieve. She writes, “I am learning who I am, even under chains,” illustrating her growing awareness of herself and her ability to make choices. The novel portrays her struggle to claim her own identity despite societal and personal limitations, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and inner strength.

Loyalty and betrayal appear repeatedly in Isabel’s story. She witnesses the Locktons’ deceit and must carefully decide whom to trust. As she observes, “The Locktons trust no one, not even their servants,” Isabel realizes that survival depends on understanding and navigating these complex dynamics. The tension between loyalty to family, personal morality, and the political sides of the war underscores the difficult choices she must make in a divided society.

The desire for freedom and independence drives much of Isabel’s actions. She is determined to gain autonomy, stating, “I will find a way to be free, even if it takes everything.” Her pursuit of freedom is both literal and symbolic, representing her longing for control over her own life. The novel shows that freedom is not easily granted; it must be claimed through courage, strategy, and perseverance.

Family and responsibility are also key elements in Isabel’s character. Her love and concern for her sister Ruth motivate many of her decisions. She recognizes, “I must protect my sister, no matter the cost,” highlighting the deep sense of duty that guides her choices. Through these relationships, the novel emphasizes the bonds of family and the sacrifices individuals make to protect loved ones.

Finally, the novel reflects the impact of war and political conflict on ordinary people. Isabel finds herself caught between Patriots and Loyalists, realizing that the city is divided and dangerous: “The city is divided, Patriots against Loyalists, and I am caught in between.” The Revolutionary War is not just a backdrop; it directly affects Isabel’s life, shaping her understanding of loyalty, morality, and survival.

In conclusion, Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson weaves together themes of slavery, courage, identity, loyalty, freedom, family, and war to create a rich, emotionally compelling narrative. Through Isabel’s experiences and reflections, readers gain insight into the struggles of the enslaved during the Revolutionary War and witness the extraordinary resilience of a young girl determined to claim her voice and her life. The novel not only tells a story of historical events but also highlights universal ideas about strength, morality, and the human spirit.