Power and Hierarchy in “Chains” by Laurie Halse Anderson Essay Example

The use of power and hierarchy in the novel “Chains” by Laurie Halse Anderson is a major plot in the story. Power is shown quite vividly as it shows how the black slaves are constantly being mistreated by their masters. In fact, they are not even treated like human beings, they are treated more like animals or materialistic objects.  A quote from the novel that shows that slaves did not get enough attention is “...she did not look into my eyes, did not see the lion inside. She did not see the me of me, the Isabel…” (Anderson, page 134). This quote shows how Isabel was not treated like a human being. Madam Lockton did not give her enough consideration and she was treated like a bird with a broken wing, rather than a human being with possibilities. Isabel always wanted to protect Ruth no matter what since her mother passed away, it was almost like she was Ruth’s protector. When Isabel found out that Madam Lockton sold Ruth away in the most unethical way possible. She took it as a personal defeat and refused to stay put. However, even after months of staying in such a limited household, Isabel had not given up. She was determined in finding her freedom and at last breaking away from the chains that had held her back for years. She was specifically fixed on escaping from the Locktons especially after she found out that they had sold Ruth. Another quote that shows how the hierarchy system worked back then is “...being loyal to the one who owned me gave me prickly thoughts, like burrs trapped in my shift, pressing into my skin with every step…” (Anderson, page 39). This quote shows how the hierarchy worked with slaves and their white masters sometime ago. Isabel and Ruth’s former owner, Ms. Finch was kind to them and treated them like they were human beings. The Locktons treated her like worn down objects. When Isabel joined had joined this new household, she realized how much of a difference there was going to be in her life. Isabel did not like the idea of working for someone and being loyal to them because it means that she is below them and Isabel’s mom would not have wanted that. Overall, The novel chains really depicts the use of power and hierarchy in society, especially between African American slaves and their white masters.