The Martyr explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Slavery and Inhumanity

  Tom's torture and death exemplify the extreme cruelty inherent in the institution of slavery.

• Christianity and Morality

  Tom's Christ-like forgiveness and conversion of his tormentors highlight the moral power of Christian faith.

• Resistance and Agency

  Tom's refusal to betray the fugitives, even under threat of death, demonstrates his moral agency and resistance.

Characters to notice

• Uncle Tom

  Beaten to death by Legree for refusing to betray Cassy and Emmeline; remains faithful and forgiving until the end.

• Simon Legree

  In a rage over the escape of Cassy and Emmeline, he tortures Tom to death.

• Cassy

  Observes the hunt from the garret; her escape with Emmeline triggers Legree's fury.

• Sambo

  One of Legree's overseers; participates in beating Tom but is later converted by Tom's faith.

• Quimbo

  Another overseer who helps beat Tom; also converted by Tom's words and prayers.

Key passages

• “I know, Mas'r; but I can't tell anything. I can die!”

  Tom acknowledges that he knows where the women are but refuses to speak, stating he would rather die than betray them.

  Tom's final act of defiance and moral courage.

• “Mas'r, if you was sick, or in trouble, or dying, and I could save ye, I'd give ye my heart's blood; and, if taking every drop of blood in this poor old body would save your precious soul, I'd give 'em freely, as the Lord gave his for me.”

  Tom tells Legree that he would sacrifice his own life to save Legree's soul, just as Christ sacrificed himself for humanity.

  Tom's profound forgiveness and Christian love even for his tormentor.

• “I forgive ye, with all my heart!”

  Tom forgives Sambo and Quimbo for their cruelty, echoing Christ's forgiveness on the cross.

  Tom's final act of forgiveness and his role as a Christ figure.