Uncle Tom's Cabin Summary

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Here you will find a Uncle Tom's Cabin summary (Harriet Beecher Stowe's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

Uncle Tom's Cabin Summary Overview

Arthur Shelby, a debt-ridden farmer from Kentucky, finds himself compelled to sell two of his slaves, Uncle Tom and young Harry, to Mr. Haley, a brutal slave trader. This decision horrifies Shelby's wife, Emily, who had promised Harry's mother, Eliza, that her son would not be sold. Eliza, upon overhearing the conversation, flees with Harry to the North, aiming to reach Canada and freedom with her husband George. Along their arduous journey, they evade capture with the help of a Quaker settlement, who provide them with sanctuary and the means to continue their journey, reuniting with George. Simultaneously, Uncle Tom is transported to a slave market via the Mississippi. On board, he rescues a young girl, Eva, from drowning. Her father, Augustine St. Clare, purchases Tom out of gratitude and takes him to their New Orleans home. There, Tom becomes a crucial member of the household, forming a deep bond with Eva as they share their devout Christian faith. Meanwhile, in their pursuit of freedom, George and Eliza continue to face danger. George is forced to shoot one of the slave hunters, Loker, but Eliza insists on ensuring his wounds are treated. In New Orleans, Eva falls ill and passes away, deeply impacting those around her. Inspired by her memory, St. Clare decides to free Tom, but is tragically killed before doing so. Consequently, Tom is sold to the brutal Simon Legree. Despite hardships and severe persecution, Tom's faith remains unbroken, and he aids fellow slaves, Cassy and Emmeline, in their escape. Around the same time, George, Eliza, and Harry finally reach Canada and secure their freedom, thanks to the now-reformed Loker. As Tom nears death, he forgives his tormentors, leading to his martyrdom. This tragic event triggers a series of events, leading to the reunion of long-lost family members and the release of Shelby's slaves, who are urged to honor Tom's memory.

chapter 1

In the mid-1800s, Arthur Shelby, a Kentucky slave-owning gentleman, finds himself in financial trouble. To avoid losing his estate, he consults with Mr. Haley, a rough slave trader about selling some of his slaves. He proposes selling Uncle Tom, a particularly exceptional slave known for his honesty, faithfulness, and deep Christian beliefs. However, Haley insists on adding a child to the deal. Against his better judgment, Shelby suggests including Harry, the young son of Eliza, the maid of Mrs. Shelby. But before sealing the deal, Shelby feels the need to consult his wife. Meanwhile, a worried Eliza asks Mrs. Shelby if there are plans to sell Harry. Unaware of her husband's financial difficulties, Mrs. Shelby assures Eliza that it's something Mr. Shelby wouldn't contemplate.

chapter 2

Eliza, a beautiful woman, is wedded to a gifted mulatto named George. However, they part ways when George is sent off to work at a nearby factory. His innovation of a hemp-cleaning device impresses the factory owner, but his own master pulls him out, accusing him of inventing due to laziness. Instead, George is made to do unskilled labor, limiting his visits to Eliza. The couple, having lost two children, leaves Eliza exceedingly cautious with their only living child, Harry.

chapter 3

After her chat with Mrs. Shelby, Eliza is visited by George who reveals his plan to flee due to the unbearable hardships he's enduring. Eliza advises him to exhibit Christian patience and have faith in God, but George discloses that his owner is pressuring him to marry another woman. Eliza resists this idea, leading George to remind her that slaves can't legally marry. As he departs, George informs Eliza that he plans to escape to Canada within a week where he intends to work and secure the freedom of both Eliza and Harry.

chapter 4

In the household of Uncle Tom, Aunt Chloe prepares a meal for Tom and the children. At the same time, Shelby’s son, young Mas’r George, teaches Tom how to pen the letter G. They enjoy playful discussions, griddlecakes, and chatter about pies. Following the meal, everyone takes part in a prayer gathering where the group of slaves sings hymns, while Mas’r George narrates sections from the book of Revelation. Meanwhile, outside of this cheerful scene, Mr. Shelby decides to let go of Tom and Harry, selling them off. The papers are signed and Mr. Haley takes over the mortgage. Despite the agreement, Shelby urges Haley to remember his assurance - not to sell Tom to anyone except a gentle master. However, Haley's response fails to convince, as he claims he'll try his best.

chapter 5

That night, Mr. Shelby breaks the news of the impending sale to his wife, who is horrified at the thought. She reminds her husband of his promise to Tom, and her vow to Eliza that Harry would always be safe with them. However, Shelby explains the dire situation - it's either sell these two slaves or risk losing everything. Despite Mrs. Shelby's firm stand against the institution of slavery and her offer to sell her own watch to prevent Harry's sale, Shelby insists that it's too late, the papers have been signed. Unbeknownst to them, Eliza eavesdrops on their conversation. Upon learning her son's fate, she quickly whisks him away to Uncle Tom's cabin, warning him to stay silent. They arrive just as a prayer meeting concludes. Eliza shares the grim news with Tom and Chloe. Tom chooses to accept his fate while advising Eliza to escape. Eliza plans to escape to Canada and entrusts Tom and Chloe with the message for her spouse, George. Holding her son close, Eliza vanishes into the darkness.

chapter 6

Mrs. Shelby receives no response after ringing for Eliza one morning. She reacts with gratitude, glad that Eliza has decided to run away to protect her child. Mr. Shelby, however, frets over the implications of her escape, worried that it might imply that he assisted Eliza to avoid selling the boy. When Mr. Haley arrives to pick up Tom and Harry, he learns about Eliza's escape from the other slaves. Upset, he storms into the Shelby home and informs Mr. Shelby of the situation. Mr. Shelby requests him to behave more respectfully in his wife's presence. As the conversation unfolds, Mr. Shelby grows increasingly put off by Haley's rudeness. He finally instructs some slaves to prepare a horse for Haley who plans to chase Eliza. The slaves purposely delay and also place a beechnut under the saddle to bother the horse. Mrs. Shelby instructs Sam, a slave, to guide Haley, but warns him not to ride the horses too hard, using the pretext of a recent injury. Upon mounting his horse, Haley is thrown off due to the beechnut, causing a scene and further delaying his departure. By the time the horses are finally prepared, it is nearly time for lunch. Sam suggests Haley might want to eat before setting off, and upon hearing this, Mrs. Shelby steps in and extends an invitation to dine.

chapter 7

Desperate and solitary, Eliza departs from Uncle Tom's cabin burdened with maternal fear for her endangered son. She prays fervently and journeys through the night until she arrives at the Ohio River, the divide between the slave South and free North. With the river half-frozen, passage by ferry is impossible. The proprietor of a tavern nearby informs her that a boatman may try a crossing later. Eliza settles into an inn to let her child rest, while she anxiously looks out at the river, yearning to traverse it. Meanwhile, on Shelby's estate, Aunt Chloe intentionally takes her time preparing food, hoping to delay the pursuit. The search party finally sets off near two in the afternoon. Haley's guides are Andy and Sam, two young slaves. They successfully mislead Haley by guiding him via a path Eliza didn't take. The detour slows him down significantly, but he eventually reaches the riverside town, forty-five minutes after Eliza has put Harry to bed. Spotting Eliza in the window, Sam makes a loud exclamation pretending surprise, alerting her about their arrival. Eliza quickly scoops up Harry, exits her room, and courageously leaps across the icy river using floating ice chunks as stepping stones. Upon reaching the other side, a man assists her to her feet. Eliza recognizes him as Mr. Symmes, a nearby farmer. Symmes, unable to provide sanctuary himself, directs her to a place where she can find help.

chapter 8

Haley, left puzzled after Eliza's daring escape across the river, retreats to the tavern. There, he encounters Tom Loker, a professional slave hunter. For a sum of fifty dollars, Haley commissions Loker and his associate Marks to chase down Eliza and Harry. The trio strike a bargain: Loker and Marks can keep Eliza if they manage to bring Harry back to Haley. Unknowing of this deal, Andy and Sam return to the Shelby residence, excitedly recounting the tale of Eliza’s brave jump.

chapter 9

Senator Bird, an Ohio official, is at home with his wife following a new state law prohibiting help for escaped slaves. Despite voting for this rule, Mrs. Bird chastises him, questioning its morality and whether he could deny aid to a desperate slave. Just then, Eliza and Harry, guided by Mr. Symmes, show up at their home. The Birds shelter them briefly, but knowing it isn't safe for a long stay, Senator Bird transports them to a secure woodland residence. This house belongs to John Van Trompe, an ex-slave owner from Kentucky who, driven by guilt, relocated to the North and liberated his slaves. Senator Bird gives John ten dollars for Eliza.

chapter 10

Haley returns to the Shelby residence to take Uncle Tom away. As they prepare for his departure, Aunt Chloe serves him a final meal and bitterly reflects on the cruelties of slavery. Uncle Tom advises her to maintain faith in God and reminds her of their benevolent master. Haley then escorts Tom away, clamping his feet in irons. Unexpectedly, Mas’r George, who was away visiting a friend, comes rushing towards the wagon in shock. Haley goes to the blacksmith’s shop to adjust Tom's restraints, providing George and Tom an opportunity to converse. George assures Tom that he would return for him when he becomes an adult. To offer some comfort, he gives Tom a dollar to wear around his neck.

chapter 11

A small-town Kentucky inn posts a notice about a fugitive slave named George. The description on the sign says, “Very light mulatto . . . will probably try to pass for a white man . . . has been branded in his right hand with the letter H . . . I will give four hundred dollars for him alive, and the same sum for satisfactory proof that he has been killed.” A group of men, including Mr. Wilson who owns a bagging factory and knew George when he worked for him, are discussing this sign in the bar. A man, posing as Henry Butler, walks in with a darker-skinned man named Jim. Butler, who appears to be of Spanish descent, claims to have come across someone fitting George's description. Mr. Wilson recognizes Butler as George Harris. In a private conversation, George reveals to Mr. Wilson that he's a runaway slave and is heading somewhere his freedom will be acknowledged. Mr. Wilson, though sympathetic, criticises George for breaking the law. George argues that the laws of the United States aren't made for slaves, and therefore they aren't his laws. He requests that Mr. Wilson deliver a pin to his wife, who he presumes is still enslaved. He also wants Wilson to inform her that he's fleeing to Canada and invites her to join him if possible.

chapter 12

As Haley and Tom journey towards the slave market, they halt for the night and Tom is kept in a prison. This greatly offends Tom's self-respect as he has always been a man of honesty and integrity. At the noon of the following day, the slave sale commences and Haley acquires additional slaves. The newly purchased slaves are then put on a vessel en route to the Deep South for sale to plantation owners. On this voyage, a mother slave, distraught after her son is seized from her, throws herself into the sea. Tom is alerted by the splash.

chapter 13

Eliza and Harry reach a Quaker community where they are hosted by a lady called Rachel Halliday. Upon discovering Eliza's surname is Harris, the Quakers recognize that she is George Harris's wife, who is also heading to the community. An emotional reunion occurs between the couple that night. In the morning, the Quakers and the escaped slaves share a meal. George and Eliza are informed that their departure will have to be postponed till dusk.

chapter 14

While journeying down the Mississippi River with fellow slaves, Tom earns the trust of slave trader Haley through his docile behavior. Tom is thus allowed to move about the boat at will, and spends his time nestled among the cotton bales, engrossed in his Bible. During this time, he befriends a young, cheerful girl named Eva St. Clare, who captivates everyone with her charming presence. Eva expresses her desire to have her father, Augustine St. Clare, purchase Tom. A shocking event unfolds when Eva accidentally falls off the boat. Amidst the frozen bystanders, Tom dives in and saves her life. St. Clare, filled with gratitude, decides to buy Tom from Haley. Heeding Eva's insistence to pay any necessary amount, St. Clare inquires about her eagerness to acquire Tom. She responds by confessing her wish to bring joy to Tom. After the transaction, St. Clare assigns Tom the responsibility of driving the family coach.

chapter 15

We're introduced to the history of the St. Clare family, starting with Augustine St. Clare, a Louisiana-born son of a rich plantation owner. Nurtured by a virtuous mother, he developed a gentle character. Coming of age, he fell for a Northern woman, whom he planned to wed. Nonetheless, a letter from her guardian informed him she was engaged to another. Consequently, he wed another woman, Marie, only to later discover his initial love's guardian had tricked him, as expressed in a letter from her. He responded, admitting his helpless situation and shattered heart. Marie, St. Clare’s wife, is also outlined. A possessive, materialistic, and vanity-filled woman, she's a constant annoyance, habitually complaining about countless imaginary ailments. St. Clare's household includes his cousin, Miss Ophelia, who he invited to assist with his child and demanding wife. Ophelia, a hardworking and reliable New England woman, is quite the contrast to the passionate and impulsive St. Clare. Despite their dissimilarities, they share a deep affection. Ophelia views her time in the New Orleans home as a “project” willingly taken on for the family's benefit. Upon St. Clare, Eva, and Tom's arrival at the house, Tom is escorted to the kitchen by Adolph, the Black doorman. A quarrel ensues between Marie and St. Clare over him leaving her alone for too long. Even though he presents her with a gift, she remains disgruntled.

chapter 16

Marie's day begins with criticizing the slaves, labeling them as self-centered beings. Eva, however, defends Mammy, an elderly Black woman who takes care of Marie, stating that her mother couldn't manage without her. Marie, though, expresses her irritation about Mammy's concern for her own family, who Marie has forcibly separated her from. Once St. Clare and Eva leave, Marie continues with her complaints to Miss Ophelia, whose responses are quiet and unexpressive. Unlike her mother, Eva is consistently cheerful and strives to cheer up Tom. She lovingly explains to Marie that the presence of slaves in a household enhances its happiness quotient as it provides more individuals to care for. Eva, not discriminating between skin colors, showers her affections on everyone generously.

chapter 17

Eliza and George relish their time together at the Quaker's house and contemplate their challenging voyage to Canada. Phineas, their Quaker guide, informs them that Tom Loker and his gang are close by and intend to capture them that night. After their evening meal, Phineas, George, Eliza, Harry, and the Hallidays depart, seeking to evade capture. They quickly find a secure campsite, enclosed by rocks with a single small entrance. As predicted, Loker's gang arrives. George, asserting his freedom, threatens to defend it by any means necessary. As the gang fires at him, George avoids the shots and promises to retaliate if anyone tries to invade their refuge. When Loker tries to infiltrate the camp, George shoots him, causing him to fall over the embankment with a little help from Phineas. The remaining gang members attempt to fight but eventually withdraw, leaving the injured Loker behind. Eliza, Phineas, and the others, moved by compassion, decide to help the injured Loker. They bring him to a fellow Quaker's home for medical attention, lifting him into their wagon for transportation.

chapter 18

In the St. Clare home, Uncle Tom gradually assumes greater roles, ultimately managing the household finances for his owner. His deep-rooted Christianity keeps him upright, making him concerned for St. Clare, whose evenings are filled with alcohol-fueled festivities. Following a conversation with Tom, St. Clare pledges to alter his ways. Concurrently, Miss Ophelia embarks on a mission to tidy up the chaotic house, particularly the disorderly kitchen, run by the talented yet disorganized cook Dinah. Through her efforts, she brings a measure of Northern orderliness to the home. Prue, a slave from nearby, visits the kitchen to sell hot rolls. She confides her misery and death wish, admitting she drowns her sorrow in alcohol. As she departs, Tom assists her with the rolls and urges her to find solace in God rather than drink. She reveals her grim past, of how her previous owner exploited her for breeding children to sell. After her current master bought her, she looked forward to raising her newborn as many of her previous children were sold. But when her mistress fell ill, her constant attendance at her bedside caused her milk to dry up. With her owners refusing to buy milk, her baby starved to death. After Prue's departure, Tom is found by Eva, looking troubled outside. On hearing Prue's tragic tale, she is so moved that she loses all interest in her planned carriage ride.

chapter 19

Days later, the St. Clare household is horrified to discover that Prue's owner has beaten her to death. Miss Ophelia, shocked, wonders if there are laws to prevent such atrocities. St. Clare clarifies that slaves are considered property, and their owners have the right to treat them as they please. Ophelia accuses St. Clare of endorsing slavery, a claim he refutes, stating instead that he tries to distance himself from it as much as possible in a society that condones it. St. Clare also reveals his resentment towards slavery and shares his mother's commendable morality. According to him, she personified the ideals of the New Testament, with a deep love for humanity that sharply contrasted with his father's elitist mentality, religious indifference, and support of slavery. He credits his mother's influence for shaping his morals. After inheriting his family's slaves, he could not stomach the idea of owning a large plantation with hundreds of slaves. He recounts the story of a defiant slave who attempted to escape the plantation. Despite the man's defiant nature, St. Clare managed to 'tame' him and even offered him freedom. However, the grateful slave tore up the freedom papers and promised to serve St. Clare for life. Upon hearing the story, Eva is moved to tears, confessing that such stories deeply affect her. Eventually, Tom attempts to write a letter to his wife and kids but struggles due to his limited literacy skills. Eva offers her help, and together they compose a letter which Tom sends off.

chapter 20

St. Clare purchases a novice slave named Topsy and assigns her tutelage to Miss Ophelia. Despite some resistance, Miss Ophelia is persuaded by St. Clare's revelation of Topsy's past maltreatment and comparison of her task to that of a missionary. Miss Ophelia thus takes up the task and ends up dealing with Topsy's unruly behavior. Her lack of Christian etiquettes is evident when she pilfers a pair of gloves. When confronted, Topsy fabricates additional thefts, later admitting she did so only to appease Ophelia. Topsy’s unfamiliarity with benevolence is exposed when Eva's kind words leave her puzzled. Regardless, Topsy and Eva form a quick bond and spend their time frolicking together, though Topsy's disobedience doesn't change. Despite Ophelia's efforts to teach her religious principles, Topsy confuses the language and fails to grasp the catechism's essence, repeating them back in a jumbled and misunderstood manner.

chapter 21

Aunt Chloe, back at the Kentucky farm, gets a letter from Tom. Even though Mr. Shelby's business continues to struggle financially, Mrs. Shelby desires to accumulate sufficient funds to purchase Tom back. However, Mr. Shelby protests loudly and insists she stay out of his business matters. Chloe then persuades Mrs. Shelby, under the ruse of viewing the chickens, to allow her to earn money for Tom by baking and selling cakes and pies. Mrs. Shelby consents to this arrangement.

chapter 22

Tom spends two years serving the St. Clares, during which time he receives a letter from Mas’r George detailing his life and studies in Kentucky. Tom and Eva's bond deepens, marked by Tom's small gifts and Eva's Bible readings to him. The family retreats to a lakeside villa for summer to avoid the city's heat. While there, Tom and Eva share time in the garden, studying scriptures about prophecies and revelations and singing hymns about holy cities and angels. Eva claims to have seen angels, indicating that she will soon be among them in heaven. Due to Eva's illness, Miss Ophelia calls them back inside, concerned about Eva's persistent cough and noticeable weight loss.

chapter 23

Alfred, brother of St. Clare, visits along with his son, Henrique. Henrique and Eva have fun together, until Henrique hits his slave, Dodo, for letting his horse become dirty. Eva is upset, questioning Henrique's cruel behavior. Henrique, however, is clueless about her concern. After Dodo grooms the horse, Henrique gives him money to buy candy. Eva appreciates Dodo's work warmly, which touches Dodo more than Henrique's gesture. The fathers witness all this and argue over slavery. St. Clare predicts a slave revolt, while Alfred plans to suppress them long as he can. When Eva and Henrique come back, she encourages him to show kindness to Dodo. He agrees, promising he would do anything for her.

chapter 24

As Alfred and Henrique depart, Eva's health starts to deteriorate. Marie, usually disinterested in her daughter, now begins to express agonizing concern, claiming the potential loss is affecting her the most. Although there is a brief period where Eva seems to improve, it's only a temporary reprieve in her downward spiral. Despite her failing health, she continues to show kindness towards the slaves. She tells Tom she would lay down her life for the southern slaves if it could ease their plight. She speaks to her father about emancipating all the slaves, urging him to fight for their liberty as she would have done if she survived her youth. He commits to do his best but only guarantees Tom's freedom if Eva passes. She reveals to him her impending journey to the house of her savior and earnestly requests him to join her there someday.

chapter 25

On a lazy Sunday, Marie complains to St. Clare while lounging on the porch as a frustrated Miss Ophelia enters, declaring her inability to handle Topsy any longer. St. Clare provocatively questions why her own Gospel can't salvage a single child, yet she expects missionaries to save thousands. In the midst of this, Eva, who was sitting on her father's lap, quietly signals for Topsy to join her in a small glass room off the porch. Once inside, Eva questions Topsy about her affection towards anyone, to which Topsy confesses her isolation, lack of family and the absence of love in her life. Assuring Topsy that she could gain Miss Ophelia's love by behaving, she laughs it off stating that Miss Ophelia finds her touch repulsive due to her skin color. Eva then gives her love to Topsy and encourages her to be good, reminding her that Jesus loves her too. This heartfelt talk brings tears to Topsy's eyes as she vows to attempt improving. The entire conversation is overheard by the adults. Miss Ophelia admits to St. Clare about her inherent bias against the Black community and her discomfort with Topsy's touch, expressing surprise that Topsy is aware of it. She voices her desire to overcome her prejudices, hinting that Eva might have lessons to impart.

chapter 26

Eva asks Miss Ophelia to snip off some of her locks and requests the gathering of all slaves. Bedridden and frail, she urges the slaves to be devout Christians and extend love to one another. Subsequently, she presents each with a curl of her hair as a memento. When the slaves exit, Eva questions her father about his faith and discusses the heavenly realm she's soon going to enter. Her father notes her religious passion but isn't able to replicate the sentiment. Eventually, witnessed by St. Clare, Ophelia, and Marie, Eva breathes her last. As St. Clare implores her to describe her vision, she whispers, “Oh! love,—joy,—peace!”

chapter 27

The household is enshrouded in sorrow following Eva's death, yet the slaves cannot show their sadness due to Marie's demanding need for their focus. Marie is overtaken by hysterics, while St. Clare, deeply grief-stricken, cannot weep. St. Clare struggles to find faith as Tom tells him about the wonders of heaven. He yearns for God, but feels ignored during his prayers. As St. Clare is unable to pray, Uncle Tom steps in for him. Hearing Tom's prayers, St. Clare senses a flicker of faith awakening within him.

chapter 28

Ophelia tells her cousin that she's succeeded in taming Topsy's wild behavior. She requests St. Clare to legally transfer Topsy's ownership to her, so she can free her in the North. Despite teaching Topsy Christian values, she's aware slavery will likely negate them. St. Clare agrees and immediately drafts the paperwork. Ophelia then questions whether he's made arrangements for his remaining slaves, noting possible harsh treatment if he were to die. He assures her he'll address it but soon after leaves for a café. While there, he's wounded in a brawl between two intoxicated men. Bystanders transport him home, placing him on a shutter. Fading, he asks Tom to pray for him and whispers prayers himself. He speaks of finally going home. Just prior to his end, he utters, “Mother!”, joyfully recognizing her presence.

chapter 29

St. Clare's untimely death prevented him from fulfilling his promise to Eva to free the slaves, particularly Tom, making them the possession of Marie. Breaking the convention of the St. Clare home, Marie condemns Rosa to a whipping and decides to sell all the slaves. Miss Ophelia intervenes, advocating for the slaves, but Marie contends that freedom would be more harmful to the slaves than their continued enslavement. Subsequently, she dispatches them to the slave warehouse.

chapter 30

The account highlights two enslaved women, Susan and her stunning fifteen-year-old daughter, Emmeline, at the warehouse. In order to reduce attention from men seeking to buy female slaves for personal satisfaction, Susan flattens Emmeline's naturally curly hair. Yet, before being presented for sale, the vendor instructs Emmeline to enhance her curls – this could add another hundred dollars to her cost. Uncle Tom is also put up for auction. Simon Legree, a harsh, wicked man and a cotton plantation owner, purchases Uncle Tom and Emmeline, along with two more men.

chapter 31

Legree binds Tom in chains and sets sail with his slaves towards his estate. Dispossessing Tom of all his belongings, save for a Bible that Tom has sneakily stowed away in his pocket. He does discover Tom's songbook, prompting him to state that his plantation doesn't allow religious practices. Legree then brandishes his clenched fist to the slaves, boasting about its hardness and readiness for "knocking down niggers."

chapter 32

On their journey, Legree ogles at Emmeline, promising her a "fine times" ahead. He dwells solely on his plantation, with only his slaves for company. He maintains two Black supervisors, treating them somewhat casually but compels them to be harsh towards the other slaves. He also shares his living space with a slave woman, Cassy, whom he plans to replace with Emmeline. The plantation turns out to be a dreadful place, characterized by harsh treatment amongst the slaves themselves. Tom's faith wobbles momentarily until a vision of Eva rekindles his religious belief and vigor. He works hard and tries to make life easier for the rest of the slaves.

chapter 33

During a day of labor in the cotton fields, Tom encounters Cassy working among the other slaves. Noticing another female slave having difficulty filling her sack, Tom steps in to assist her, and Cassy then comes to his aid. Upon observing this act of teamwork among the slaves, the overseers relay the situation to their master, Legree. When the time comes to turn in their harvest, Tom and the women are met with Legree's demand for Tom to flog the woman. Tom's refusal results in the overseers brutally assaulting him outdoors, leaving him at the brink of death.

chapter 34

Cassy tends to Tom's injuries after he's been whipped, offering water and cleaning his wounds. She believes there's no escape for slaves and encourages Tom to surrender, insisting there is no God. Tom, however, tells her not to let the cruelties of others turn her into a cruel person. He believes becoming malicious would be the worst kind of punishment. Overwhelmed, Cassy reveals her past. Being of mixed race, referred to as "mulatto" at that time, Cassy was raised in opulence as a white man's child. She later became a lawyer's mistress and had children with him. She was content until the lawyer developed feelings for another woman, resulting in Cassy and her children being sold to a new master. This new master then sold her children and traded her to a third man with whom she had a child. To avoid the agony of losing another child, she poisoned the newborn when it was just weeks old. Cassy was traded among men until Legree became her master.

chapter 35

Legree harbors feelings for Cassy, despite her disdain for him. During a heated argument, Sambo, an overseer, presents the lock of Eva’s hair that Tom wore around his neck. The lock unexpectedly wraps around Legree's finger, causing him to shriek and toss it into the fire. The background of Legree is unveiled. Raised by a gentle mother and a harsh father, Legree adopts his father's ways, disregarding his mother's counsel. Despite his cold indifference, his mother continues to love him. He leaves home early, choosing a seafarer's life. A letter from his mother, with a lock of her hair and news of her impending death, leaves a deep impact on him. The sight of Eva's hair revives this painful memory. To obliterate thoughts of his mother, he resorts to alcohol, yet the memory of the lock of hair haunts him. Overwhelmed with anger, he exits the house to look for Emmeline. He hears a hymn echoing from the slaves and thinks he spots a spectral figure in the fog. He is filled with dread by Tom’s spiritual strength.

chapter 36

After a day passes, Cassy directs Legree to no longer bother Tom. Despite the fright he felt the night before, he disregards her guidance and approaches Tom, insisting that he kneel and ask for Legree's forgiveness. Tom declines. Legree warns him, but Tom declares his anticipation of eternal life, asserting that Legree lacks the power to hurt him.

chapter 37

George and Eliza safely reach the subsequent Quaker community, leaving Tom Loker in the care of the first Quaker group to regain his health. Once healed, Tom gives up his wicked lifestyle and joins the Quakers, deeply impressed by their way of life. Meanwhile, George and Eliza press on, camouflaging themselves and ultimately finding freedom in Canada.

chapter 38

Uncle Tom is again beset by spiritual uncertainty on the plantation. Legree mocks him and leaves him alone with his doubts. However, Tom's faith is revived when he sings a hymn and experiences a vision of Jesus Christ speaking to him. Despite being physically abused by Legree, he feels rejuvenated by divine inspiration and belts out songs of joy. In the darkness, Cassy approaches Tom with a plan to murder Legree. Tom implores her to abandon this sinful idea and instead focus on escaping. Respecting his advice, she agrees to attempt an escape, vowing to avoid violence if possible.

chapter 39

Cassy hatches a scheme to convince Legree that the house's attic is haunted. She and Emmeline then make a visible break for freedom, heading into the nearby marshland. The overseers command a search, but as everyone is busy looking for them, the women sneak back into the house and retreat to the attic, where Cassy has stored food and essentials. The pair can safely stay hidden in the attic, as any noise they make will be blamed on the "ghosts," deterring Legree and his company from exploring the upper level.

chapter 40

Legree is filled with rage due to Cassy and Emmeline's flight, and takes it out on Tom, suspecting him of knowing about their plans. Legree threatens to murder Tom unless he spills details of the women's breakout. However, Tom would rather meet his maker than betray the women. Legree momentarily seems conflicted, but finally, his wickedness takes over. He assaults Tom throughout the night and orders his overseers, Sambo and Quimbo, to continue his violent work. Despite the harsh treatment, Tom remains virtuous and devout, praying and moving the overseers with his faith. Tom's sincerity convinces them about the love of Jesus. He prays for their redemption.

chapter 41

George Shelby, the son of Mr. Shelby, arrives at Legree's plantation two days later, after an extensive search for his cherished former servant following his father's death. Discovering Tom in a critical state, George is relieved as Tom is overjoyed at the reunion with "Mas’r George", and he passes away peacefully. George retrieves Tom's body and threatens Legree with murder charges. However, Legree argues that without a white witness to the beating, legal action is futile. In anger, George knocks Legree down. The remaining slaves beg George to purchase them, but he is unable to. Departing, he pledges to work towards ending slavery.

chapter 42

Cassy, now pretending to be a Spanish Creole woman, flees the plantation with Emmeline. They end up on the same ship as George Shelby, who recognizes Cassy. Fearful that he might see through her cover, she confides in him. George swears to shield her as much as he can. A French woman named Madame de Thoux, who's in the next cabin, has a conversation with George about his homeland and discovers that her brother is George Harris, husband of Eliza. Madame de Thoux, a slavery survivor like her brother, was later sold to a kind person who took her to the West Indies, set her free and made her his wife. He passed away recently. Cassy, who has also been listening to George Shelby, realizes Eliza might be her daughter after hearing his description of her.

chapter 43

Cassy, Emmeline, and Madame de Thoux journey to Montreal, finding George and Eliza Harris settled there. George is employed at a machinist's job and they have welcomed a new daughter into their family. Their reunion is emotional and happy. With her husband's recent passing, Madame de Thoux has inherited a large sum of money which she generously gives to the family. They eventually move from Canada to France, living there for a period before returning to America. In correspondence with a friend, George proposes that African Americans should migrate to Liberia, a country in West Africa set up by private groups and the U.S. government for the resettlement of emancipated slaves. Eventually, George and his family make the move to Liberia, after which no further news is received about them.

chapter 44

George Shelby comes back to his residence and confides in Chloe about Tom's demise. He subsequently gifts every slave their freedom papers. Despite their pleas to stay, he reassures them, promising to offer wages and guaranteeing their liberty upon his own death. He narrates Uncle Tom's fatal end and asks the slaves to associate their newly gained liberty with Tom’s cabin each time they lay eyes on it.

chapter 45

The writer affirms that the majority of the incidents described in the narrative are based on real experiences of different individuals in different periods. She emotionally urges both the people of the North and South to abolish slavery, invoking the principles of Christianity and God.

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People who recommended Uncle Tom's Cabin

George Raveling

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"Leaves an ineradicable 'scratch on the mind.'" - Christopher Hitchens