Commentary On The Book 'Chains' By Laurie Halse Anderson

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson is a book that was set in the American Revolutionary War in the undecided colony of New York. New York was a colony that was undecided on choosing whether to cheer on the Rebels or the British. During this time period everybody would encourage one side one day and then the other the next and try to fight, in the end they all fought which lead to more bloodshed. In the text on page 46 it states, “You don't like the Rebels?” I asked… “Listen to me good. Them that feed us” - she pointed upstairs “they’re Loyalist, Tories. That means that we’re Tories too understand.” This text means that who you believed in, whether it be the Loyalist or the Rebels people liked to keep that to themselves and lie to the people who dared to ask them which side they were on. It also shows how a person may momentarily choose one side over the other just because it is convenient with the kind of lifestyle that they person may have. Also during this time period there was slavery. Slaves was something that was very commonly practice during this time period, slaves were often treated as objects that would
In the text on page 31 it states, “You've come home to fight us who strive for freedom and liberty.” all the work on the ship stopped. The air had suddenly grown warm. I glanced sideways. The soldiers guarding the crates had picked up their guns.” This furthermore proves how the subject could create small squabbles among those who were on opposite side or were believed to be on the opposing side. Many people whether they be on the Rebels or the Loyalist side just fought for what they wanted never hearing out the other side to try and come up with a peaceful resolution but instead they caused battles that made both of the side lose more blood. Overall the book Chains shows how defensive, strict and dishonest the people of this era were mainly