In "Chains," the difference between a servant and a slave is highlighted by value, consent, and treatment. Servants are paid and work by choice under a contract for a set period, while slaves are unpaid and forced to work indefinitely. Slaves like Isabel are threatened with violence, whereas servants like Becky often receive better treatment. Skin color does not define servitude; however, slaves are considered property, while servants have the option to leave after their contract ends.

Curzon, a young slave in "Chains," is owned by Bellingham but enjoys more freedom than Isabel. Politically aware and educated, he spies for the Patriots against the Loyalists, recruiting others like Isabel to aid his cause. A fervent supporter of the American Revolution, Curzon identifies as an American soldier. He is also a devoted friend to Isabel, showing her kindness and care, which ultimately motivates her to rescue him from jail.

An essay that differentiates Isabel’s and Lockton’s perspectives on freedom and liberty in Chains could contrast the hypocrisy of Lockton with the generosity of Isabel. When Isabel acquires freedom, she doesn’t abandon the people she cares about. Instead, she tries to help them gain liberty as well.

For Mr. Lockton, freedom means being left alone by rebels to live his preferred lifestyle, reflecting his status as a Loyalist. He is indifferent to the freedom of others, including his slaves, Ruth and Isabel, and his wife, whom he controls tyrannically. Lockton views freedom as a zero-sum game, where his own freedom is dependent on the oppression of others, aligning with his belief in slavery and white supremacy.

Slave life varied significantly based on location. On large plantations and small farms, slaves faced harsh conditions, living in poorly constructed shacks with inadequate clothing, and punishments were severe due to isolation. In contrast, urban slaves often lived in better conditions, such as attics or basements of households, benefiting from better insulation and clothing. The differences were not due to a more humane view of slaves but rather the visibility and reputation concerns of urban slave owners.

Her belief that political and legal powers will eventually free her and her fears of taking bold steps for herself are two mental chains that Isabel breaks in Chains.

The Patriots' view of freedom is complex, as Isabel's narrative highlights. While they seek independence from England, seeing themselves as enslaved, they fail to apply these principles universally. Isabel, as a woman of color, perceives the hypocrisy in advocating freedom from British rule while maintaining slavery. Her perspective reveals the double standard and limited scope of the Patriots' freedom, illustrating their fight for liberty as flawed and not universally applied.

The rebels' action of taking down King George III's statue in "Chains" symbolizes their public declaration of defiance against England. This event, where they dismantle the statue for bullets, signifies their commitment to the Revolutionary cause. The irony of the statue being gold-plated but made of lead highlights the deceptive nature of British authority. This act foreshadows the intense and brutal conflicts that characterize the American Revolution.

In Chains, Isabel's perspective on freedom contrasts with Curzon's. Curzon views freedom as a collective struggle against Loyalists, believing loyalty to the Patriots could lead to widespread emancipation. Isabel, however, prioritizes immediate survival for herself and her sister, Ruth, over abstract freedoms. For Isabel, freedom embodies defiance and self-preservation, requiring physical action and sacrifice. She perceives freedom not as a granted right but as something to be actively fought for, enduring hardships along the way.