Uncle Tom’s Cabin · Chapter
Results explained
The concluding chapter ties together the fates of the major characters.
What happens
The concluding chapter ties together the fates of the major characters. George Shelby sends Cassy the bill of sale for Eliza, confirming her identity as Cassy's long-lost daughter. Cassy and Madame de Thoux travel to Canada, where they trace George and Eliza to Montreal. A joyful reunion takes place: Madame de Thoux reveals herself as George's sister Emily, and Cassy is reunited with Eliza and her granddaughter. The family decides to emigrate to France for George's education, and eventually to Africa. Miss Ophelia takes Topsy to Vermont, where she becomes a Christian and later a missionary. Cassy's son is also discovered and will join the family in Africa.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Separation
The chapter culminates in the reunion of Cassy with Eliza and George with his sister Emily, emphasizing the devastating impact of slavery on families and the hope of restoration.
Freedom and Escape
George and Eliza have lived five years in freedom; the chapter celebrates their successful escape and the new life they have built in Canada.
Resistance and Agency
George's determination to gain an education and the family's decision to emigrate to Africa demonstrate active agency in shaping their own futures.
Characters to notice
- George Harris
Reunited with his sister Emily (Madame de Thoux) and mother Cassy; decides to pursue education in France and later emigrate to Africa.
- Eliza Harris
Reunited with her mother Cassy; living contentedly in Montreal with George and their children.
- Cassy
Reunited with her daughter Eliza and granddaughter; undergoes a transformation from despair to gentle trust and becomes a devout Christian.
- Madame de Thoux
Reveals herself as George Harris's sister Emily; shares her fortune and facilitates the family's move to France.
- Miss Ophelia St. Clare
Takes Topsy to Vermont; Topsy becomes a Christian and later a missionary in Africa.
- Topsy
Brought to Vermont by Miss Ophelia; grows in grace, is baptized, and becomes a missionary to Africa.
Key passages
“The rest of our story is soon told.”
The remaining events of the narrative can be summarized quickly.
Opening line signaling the conclusion of the plot.
“George, with his wife, children, sister and mother, embarked for Africa, some few weeks after.”
A few weeks later, George, Eliza, their children, his sister Emily, and his mother Cassy set sail for Africa.
Summarizes the family's emigration to Africa.
“Miss Ophelia took Topsy home to Vermont with her, much to the surprise of the grave deliberative body whom a New Englander recognizes under the term 'Our folks'.”
Miss Ophelia brought Topsy to her family in Vermont, which surprised her conservative New England relatives.
Describes the reaction of Ophelia's family to Topsy's arrival.