Uncle Tom’s Cabin · Chapter
Miss Ophelia's Experiences and Opinions Continued explained
In this chapter, St.
What happens
In this chapter, St. Clare delivers a passionate condemnation of slavery, arguing that the institution itself is inherently evil and that its abuses are not exceptions but the logical result of the law. Miss Ophelia continues her rigorous housekeeping, which the household finds peculiar. The chapter also touches on the death of Prue, with Marie expressing a lack of sympathy, while Eva shows compassion. St. Clare reflects on the moral and social dangers of slavery, predicting a future reckoning.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy of American Society
St. Clare exposes the hypocrisy of a society that claims Christian values while legally sanctioning the brutal exploitation of human beings.
Slavery and Inhumanity
St. Clare's speech strips slavery of its ornaments, defining it as the theft of all a person has and the imposition of endless labor and suffering.
Christianity and Morality
St. Clare references his mother's teachings about Christ's millennium and prays 'thy kingdom come,' while Miss Ophelia suggests he is 'not far from the kingdom.'
Characters to notice
- Miss Ophelia St. Clare
Perseveres in her housekeeping labors, which the household finds 'curis'; engages in a serious theological and moral discussion with St. Clare.
- Augustine St. Clare
Delivers a fervent denunciation of slavery as inherently evil; reflects on his own moral failings and predicts a coming judgment.
- Marie St. Clare
Dismisses sympathy for Prue, claiming her own trials are greater; defends harsh treatment of slaves.
- Eva St. Clare
Shows compassion for Prue, suggesting her drinking was due to unhappiness; also arranges for Tom to write a letter about his redemption.
- Uncle Tom
Writes a letter about his possible redemption, as arranged by Eva; is ordered by St. Clare to prepare horses for a ride.
Key passages
“It comes from the devil, that's the short of it; and, to my mind, it's a pretty respectable specimen of what he can do in his own line.”
Slavery is fundamentally diabolical, and it's a prime example of evil's work.
St. Clare bluntly declares slavery to be of demonic origin.
“The thing itself is the essence of all abuse!”
Slavery is not just subject to abuses; it is abuse in its very nature.
St. Clare argues that the institution is inherently abusive, not merely its excesses.
“If we did not give them liberty, they would take it.”
If slaves are not granted freedom, they will seize it for themselves.
St. Clare warns that educating slaves would inevitably lead to their liberation, whether granted or taken.