# Endnotes explained — Uncle Tom’s Cabin

> Chapter companion for Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.

## What happens

The chapter provides endnotes referencing a machine invented by a young colored man in Kentucky, Dr. Joel Parker of Philadelphia, and a translation of Latin lines about Jesus's sacrifice.

## Themes in this chapter

### Slavery and Inhumanity

The reference to a young colored man inventing a machine underscores the intellectual and creative capacities of enslaved or free Black individuals, often suppressed or ignored by the institution of slavery.

### Christianity and Morality

The translated Latin lines from 'Dies Irae' invoke Christ's sacrificial love, reinforcing the Christian moral framework that condemns the inhumanity of slavery.

## Key lines

> A machine of this description was really the invention of a young colored man in Kentucky.

This type of machine was actually created by a young Black man from Kentucky.

_Acknowledges the overlooked contributions of African Americans to innovation._

> Think, O Jesus, for what reason Thou endured’st earth’s spite and treason, Nor me lose, in that dread season; Seeking me, thy worn feet hasted, On the cross thy soul death tasted, Let not all these toils be wasted.

Consider, Jesus, why you suffered earthly malice and betrayal, and do not let me be lost in that fearful time; you hurried with weary feet to find me, your soul tasted death on the cross—do not let all these efforts be in vain.

_A plea for salvation based on Christ's sacrificial suffering._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uncle_tom_s_cabin_se/chapters/volume-ii-endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uncle_tom_s_cabin_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uncle_tom_s_cabin_se/chapters