Activity Overview
Chains is filled with symbolism, and it is helpful for students to identify and analyze them to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their journey. The symbols in this book will come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify and explain symbols from the novel using a storyboard.
Chains Symbols to Look for and Discuss
Isabel’s Mark
Upon discovering Madam Lockton sold Ruth, Isabel fights her and runs to Colonel Regan for help. Seeking revenge, Madam has Isabel branded with the letter "I" for insolence on her cheek. Branding is something farmers do on cattle, so it symbolizes the brutality and dehumanization of slavery. It also represents the depth of Madam Lockton's cruelty. However, the "I" ends up empowering Isabel to reclaim her identity, believing "this mark stands for "Isabel" and gathers the courage to escape.
Ruth’s Doll
When they were sold, Ruth and Isabel were forced to leave everything behind including Ruth's beloved doll. At the Lockton's, Isabel makes Ruth a new doll. The doll symbolizes family, love, and their connection to their past. After Ruth is sold in secret again, the doll is all Isabel has left of Ruth and symbolizes Isabel's purpose to escape and find her. However, when Isabel is forced to leave the doll behind to save Lady Seymour from the fire, it shows how Isabel is willing to make extraordinary sacrifices to help others.
Curzon’s Hat
Curzon's red hat symbolizes the spirit of Curzon himself. While he is enslaved, he tries to maintain his individuality and enthusiasm just as his red hat stands out in a crowd. It also symbolizes the hope he has for freedom as he helps his enslaver Mr. Bellingham and the Patriot cause. His red hat changes appearance as time goes on and becomes more tattered as his and the Patriots' circumstances become more desperate.
King George Statue
The toppling of King George's statue by the Patriots symbolizes the overthrowing of the British government itself. When the statue is pulled down, the citizens are able to easily break it apart and Isabel realizes that it wasn't made of gold after all, but lead with gilt paint. It symbolizes that while the British empire might have looked indestructible, it was vulnerable too.
Momma’s Seeds
Isabel hides her mother's seeds and brings them to the Locktons. The seeds symbolize her connection to her family, desire to continue their legacy, and hope for the future. She plants them in an effort to maintain that connection. After Ruth is sold, Isabel feels incredible remorse. She feels a similar regret when her plants die in the cold winter. When Isabel escapes, she brings the seeds with her, symbolizing her hope to find Ruth and start a new life.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring symbols found in Chains. Illustrate each symbol and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the symbols from Chains you wish to include and write their title in the top.
- Create an image for examples that represents each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified symbols. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified symbols. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified symbols. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the symbols and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the symbols but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the symbols. |
Activity Overview
Chains is filled with symbolism, and it is helpful for students to identify and analyze them to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their journey. The symbols in this book will come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify and explain symbols from the novel using a storyboard.
Chains Symbols to Look for and Discuss
Isabel’s Mark
Upon discovering Madam Lockton sold Ruth, Isabel fights her and runs to Colonel Regan for help. Seeking revenge, Madam has Isabel branded with the letter "I" for insolence on her cheek. Branding is something farmers do on cattle, so it symbolizes the brutality and dehumanization of slavery. It also represents the depth of Madam Lockton's cruelty. However, the "I" ends up empowering Isabel to reclaim her identity, believing "this mark stands for "Isabel" and gathers the courage to escape.
Ruth’s Doll
When they were sold, Ruth and Isabel were forced to leave everything behind including Ruth's beloved doll. At the Lockton's, Isabel makes Ruth a new doll. The doll symbolizes family, love, and their connection to their past. After Ruth is sold in secret again, the doll is all Isabel has left of Ruth and symbolizes Isabel's purpose to escape and find her. However, when Isabel is forced to leave the doll behind to save Lady Seymour from the fire, it shows how Isabel is willing to make extraordinary sacrifices to help others.
Curzon’s Hat
Curzon's red hat symbolizes the spirit of Curzon himself. While he is enslaved, he tries to maintain his individuality and enthusiasm just as his red hat stands out in a crowd. It also symbolizes the hope he has for freedom as he helps his enslaver Mr. Bellingham and the Patriot cause. His red hat changes appearance as time goes on and becomes more tattered as his and the Patriots' circumstances become more desperate.
King George Statue
The toppling of King George's statue by the Patriots symbolizes the overthrowing of the British government itself. When the statue is pulled down, the citizens are able to easily break it apart and Isabel realizes that it wasn't made of gold after all, but lead with gilt paint. It symbolizes that while the British empire might have looked indestructible, it was vulnerable too.
Momma’s Seeds
Isabel hides her mother's seeds and brings them to the Locktons. The seeds symbolize her connection to her family, desire to continue their legacy, and hope for the future. She plants them in an effort to maintain that connection. After Ruth is sold, Isabel feels incredible remorse. She feels a similar regret when her plants die in the cold winter. When Isabel escapes, she brings the seeds with her, symbolizing her hope to find Ruth and start a new life.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring symbols found in Chains. Illustrate each symbol and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the symbols from Chains you wish to include and write their title in the top.
- Create an image for examples that represents each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified symbols. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified symbols. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified symbols. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the symbols and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the symbols but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the symbols. |
How Tos about Finding Symbolism in Chains
How to introduce symbolism in Chains with an engaging classroom discussion
Begin by asking students what objects or images stood out to them in Chains. Encourage them to share personal interpretations and connect these to the characters’ experiences. This builds curiosity and lays a strong foundation for analyzing symbolism together.
Guide students to find new symbols in the text
Prompt students to look for objects, actions, or events that seem to appear more than once or have special importance. Suggest they mark or jot down these moments as they read. This helps students become active, attentive readers.
Encourage students to connect symbols to themes
Ask students how each symbol relates to bigger ideas like freedom, identity, or hope. Use graphic organizers or group brainstorms to visually link symbols and themes, making abstract concepts easier to grasp.
Facilitate small group sharing and analysis
Have students share their findings in small groups and discuss how each symbol impacts the story. Guide them to support their ideas with text evidence. This promotes collaboration and deeper analysis.
Wrap up with a creative reflection activity
Invite students to create a symbolism journal entry, drawing, or quick-write about a symbol that resonated with them. This personalizes learning and reinforces their understanding in a meaningful way.
Frequently Asked Questions about Finding Symbolism in Chains
What are the main symbols in Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson?
Chains features several powerful symbols, including Isabel's branded "I," Ruth’s doll, Curzon’s red hat, King George’s statue, and Momma’s seeds. Each represents key themes like identity, hope, family, and resistance in the story.
How can students identify symbolism in Chains?
Students can spot symbolism in Chains by looking for objects or events that have deeper meanings, such as Isabel’s mark or the seeds. Using a storyboard helps students illustrate and explain each symbol’s significance.
Why is Isabel’s branded 'I' important in Chains?
The branded "I" is a symbol of slavery’s brutality and dehumanization, but it also becomes a source of strength and identity for Isabel as she reclaims its meaning for herself.
What does Ruth’s doll symbolize in Chains?
Ruth’s doll symbolizes family, love, and Isabel’s connection to her sister. Losing and leaving the doll behind also highlights Isabel’s sacrifices and determination.
What is the best way to teach symbolism in Chains to middle school students?
The best way is to use visual activities like storyboards where students identify, illustrate, and describe symbols from the novel. This makes abstract concepts more concrete and engaging for grades 6–8.
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