Uncle Tom’s Cabin · Chapter
The Young Master explained
George Shelby travels to New Orleans and then to Simon Legree's plantation in search of Tom.
What happens
George Shelby travels to New Orleans and then to Simon Legree's plantation in search of Tom. He finds Tom dying from a brutal beating. Tom dies peacefully in George's arms, expressing forgiveness and faith. George buries Tom on a knoll, vows to fight against slavery, and confronts Legree, knocking him down in a fit of righteous anger.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom and Escape
Tom's death is portrayed as a spiritual liberation, and George Shelby's vow to fight slavery represents a broader quest for freedom.
Resistance and Agency
Tom's refusal to betray Cassy and Emmeline, and George Shelby's physical defiance of Legree, demonstrate active resistance against oppression.
Characters to notice
- George Shelby
The young master who has grown from a boy to a man; he searches for Tom, witnesses his death, buries him, and vows to fight slavery.
- Uncle Tom
Found dying after a severe beating by Legree; he dies peacefully, forgiving Legree and expressing faith in Christ.
- Simon Legree
The brutal slave owner who beat Tom; he confronts George and is knocked down after taunting him.
- Mrs. Shelby
Mentioned as having received Miss Ophelia's letter and later managing the estate after Mr. Shelby's death.
- Miss Ophelia St. Clare
Mentioned as having written a letter to Mrs. Shelby about Tom's sale.
Key passages
“What a thing it is to be a Christian!”
Being a Christian is a profound and admirable thing.
George reflects on Tom's peaceful death and faith.
“Witness, eternal God! said George, kneeling on the grave of his poor friend; oh, witness, that, from this hour, I will do what one man can to drive out this curse of slavery from my land!”
George kneels at Tom's grave and swears to God that he will do everything in his power to end slavery.
George makes a solemn vow to fight against the institution of slavery.