Skip to main content

In Chains, what is the discussion at the Tea Water Pump?

In chapter five, Isabel is sent to the Tea Water Pump to get "special" water for the Locktons.  She doesn't know how to get there, so Curzon volunteers to show Isabel the way. 


Chapter six then begins with Curzon leading Isabel to the Tea Water Pump.  Curzon moves very quickly, and Isabel can barely keep up.  Curzon eventually slows down once he realizes that Isabel is struggling to stay with him.  Curzon explains that the...

In chapter five, Isabel is sent to the Tea Water Pump to get "special" water for the Locktons.  She doesn't know how to get there, so Curzon volunteers to show Isabel the way. 


Chapter six then begins with Curzon leading Isabel to the Tea Water Pump.  Curzon moves very quickly, and Isabel can barely keep up.  Curzon eventually slows down once he realizes that Isabel is struggling to stay with him.  Curzon explains that the Tea Water Pump is where all of the rich people get their water from, because it supposedly tastes better.  He also explains that he must pick up a package along the way.


He picks up the package and some rolls for Isabel to eat.  She is deeply grateful.  While Isabel eats, Curzon asks her if Ruth is Isabel's sister.  Isabel confirms that fact, and Curzon then understands why Isabel willingly took the slap from Madam Lockton even though Ruth was guilty.  


Curzon sees that Isabel doesn't have a deep loyalty to Madam Lockton, so he asks Isabel if she would be willing to spy on the Locktons.  The Locktons are Loyalists.  Curzon and his master are Patriots.  Curzon would like Isabel to report to him anything that might be of interest to the Patriots about what she sees and hears in the Lockton household.  He also tells Isabel that she can earn her freedom back by being a spy. 



"Keep your voice down. You just have to listen and alert me if you hear anything important.  You won't be in any danger." 



Isabel doesn't believe that the Locktons would say anything in front of her anyway.  Curzon replies that the Locktons don't consider Isabel a person, so they won't guard their talk at all.  Isabel briefly considers Curzon's proposal and logic, but she turns him down at the close of the chapter. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What are some external and internal conflicts that Montag has in Fahrenheit 451?

 Montag, the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, faces both external and internal conflicts throughout the novel. Some examples of these conflicts are: External Conflicts: Conflict with the society: Montag lives in a society that prohibits books and critical thinking. He faces opposition from the government and the people who enforce this law. Montag struggles to come to terms with the fact that his society is based on censorship and control. Conflict with his wife: Montag's wife, Mildred, is completely absorbed in the shallow and meaningless entertainment provided by the government. Montag's growing dissatisfaction with his marriage adds to his external conflict. Conflict with the fire captain: Montag's superior, Captain Beatty, is the personification of the oppressive regime that Montag is fighting against. Montag's struggle against Beatty represents his external conflict with the government. Internal Conflicts: Conflict with his own beliefs: Montag, at the beginning of th...
Post a Comment
Read more

In A People's History of the United States, why does Howard Zinn feel that Wilson made a flimsy argument for entering World War I?

"War is the health of the state," the radical writer Randolph Bourne said, in the midst of the First World War. Indeed, as the nations of Europe went to war in 1914, the governments flourished, patriotism bloomed, class struggle was stilled, and young men died in frightful numbers on the battlefields-often for a hundred yards of land, a line of trenches. -- Chapter 14, Page 350, A People's History of the United States Howard Zinn outlines his arguments for why World War I was fought in the opening paragraph of Chapter 14 (referenced above). The nationalism that was created by the Great War benefited the elite political and financial leadership of the various countries involved. Socialism, which was gaining momentum in Europe, as was class struggle, took a backseat to mobilizing for war. Zinn believes that World War I was fought for the gain of the industrial capitalists of Europe in a competition for capital and resources. He states that humanity itself was punished by t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Where did Atticus take the light and extension cord in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with... Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with Jim if that’s what it takes to protect him.  Atticus tells the men that he will make sure his client gets his fair shake at the law.  “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till ...
Post a Comment
Read more