# The Young Master explained — Uncle Tom’s Cabin

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uncle_tom_s_cabin_se/chapters/volume-ii-xli-the-young-master
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uncle_tom_s_cabin_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uncle_tom_s_cabin_se/chapters