Bees invading someone’s head and a red hat. Also, there is a New York City Water Pump. The objects have no apparent connection but are actually symbols from Laurie Halse Anderson’s book Chains. Isabel and Curzon are two slaves who live in New York. They have been tormented mercilessly by their cruel owners. During their journey to freedom, however, they come across symbolism which helps them understand their own inner thoughts and emotions. The use of symbolism in Chains gives readers a more richer understanding of the story.
Isabel’s feelings and moods change quickly, as symbolised by the bees around her. The bees can show Isabel’s refreshed mood. They don’t just show confusion and anger, but also her frustration. The thought of joining Britain washed her brain with confusion. Isabel is also shocked to discover that Ruth’s dolly was destroyed in the great flames. The bees returned and hummed loudly, so that Isabel was unable to think about her doll. Isabel realizes her loss when she sees Ruth’s toy. She is now more concerned about her losses than about staying alive. Isabel changes her mood when Madam tells Isabel she can’t leave Bridewell Prison. Since she couldn’t care for Curzon in the prison, “the buzzing bees and ashes from my sadness spun a whole storm within [her].” (246). The bees created a mood change and made her feel melancholy. Isabel uses symbols to convey her emotions. But, symbolism may also be used to represent a person’s or an object’s health, as with Curzons red hat.
Curzon’s physical appearance is not used to describe his health, but rather his red hat. Curzon is wearing a bright red hat and is confident before the Battle of Long Island. He wears a red cap to symbolize his good health. His red hat shows that he’s in great shape. Curzon was captured by enemy forces and is now in prison. Isabel could only recognize him from his “hat” which was more brownish than red. (204-205) As his hat became browner, it showed that his health was deteriorating. Curzon’s hat used to be red when he was in good health. Now, after a battle defeat, it is brown. Curzon is in the worst health at prison. Dibdin wears his hat while Curzon is in danger of dying. Isabel was standing right beside him, but he could not hear her because he was on the ground. He is not even wearing a hat, which means he’s in poor health. Dibdin then puts the dirty hat back on Curzon, and Curzon starts to feel better. The use of symbolism is not limited to a specific person or object. For example, Curzon’s red cap can be used as a way to represent the community or freedom.
Isabel, Curzon, the community and all of them met in the Tea Water Pump just before war broke out. It is a place that symbolizes community and liberty. Curzon took Isabel there as soon she arrived. All the slaves went to the Tea Water Pump in order to fetch water for their masters. Isabel only saw Curzon once in public after her first visit. Isabel’s first encounter with the slave community was at the Tea Water Pump. That is what it represents. Madam Lockton’s strict control over Isabel is only broken when she goes to the Tea Water Pump every day. This is her most liberating feeling. The Tea Water Pump represents freedom. This is the only opportunity she has to interact with other people. Isabel heard the proclamation of Lord Dunmore at the Tea Water Pump: “The British promised to slaves that they would be freed, but refused to give it to rebels who were white.” (166) But people in the area argue about whether the British really will honor their promise. The proclamation is still a way to give slaves freedom, and the Tea Water Pump symbolises freedom. Isabel then heard the announcement of freedom at the Tea Water Pump. The novel is richer and deeper because of these three symbols.
The bees and Curzon’s hat show how symbolism is able to make a story more meaningful and interesting. Chains illustrates many historical facts relating to New York through symbolism. The symbolism Anderson uses in the novel can also be found in other forms.
