Student Question

In Chains, what does the grandfather's speech to Isabel signify?

Quick answer:

Grandfather's speech to Isabel at the Tea Water pump signifies the harsh reality that neither side in the war will grant freedom to slaves, emphasizing that true freedom comes through faith, as symbolized by the biblical River Jordan. He reassures Isabel that her scar, a reminder of her servitude, is a badge of strength and survival. This encourages Isabel to see her scar not as a mark of shame but as a testament to her resilience and fortitude.

Expert Answers

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At the Tea Water pump, a group of slaves are arguing over which side in the war will give them their freedom. Grandfather, who operates the pump, laughs and says that neither side will. The only way that the slaves will obtain their freedom is through faith, a point he illustrates by reference to the River Jordan in the Bible, which the Israelites crossed to gain entrance to the Promised Land.

Isabel has a scar which acts as a permanent reminder of her servitude. But Grandfather tells Isabel that she should not be ashamed of her scar, and as he kisses it, says that a scar is a sign of strength, a sign of a survivor. What he means by this is that Isabel has come through a lot, and that what hasn't killed her has only made her stronger. Far from being ashamed of her scar, Isabel should see it as a mark of her strength and fortitude.

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