Uncle Tom’s Cabin · Chapter
Topsy explained
St.
What happens
St. Clare presents Miss Ophelia with a young slave girl named Topsy, a wild and mischievous child whom he wants her to educate. Miss Ophelia is initially horrified but reluctantly agrees to take on the task. Topsy proves to be quick-witted and unruly, learning to read easily but resisting sewing. She becomes a source of amusement for St. Clare and fascination for Eva, despite Miss Ophelia's concerns. The chapter explores themes of education, discipline, and the effects of slavery on character.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy of American Society
St. Clare exposes Miss Ophelia's reluctance to personally engage with the 'heathen' she would send missionaries to, highlighting the gap between Christian ideals and practice.
Resistance and Agency
Topsy's cunning and mischievous behavior, such as breaking needles and hiding spools, serves as a form of subtle resistance against her enslavement and attempts to control her.
Class and Power
The power dynamics between St. Clare, Miss Ophelia, and Topsy illustrate how class and race intersect in the slaveholding South, with Topsy's fate determined by the whims of her owners.
Characters to notice
- Miss Ophelia St. Clare
Takes on the task of educating Topsy, struggling with her wild behavior and questioning the effectiveness of traditional methods.
- Augustine St. Clare
Purchases Topsy as a project for Miss Ophelia, finding amusement in her antics and using her to challenge Miss Ophelia's views on education and slavery.
- Topsy
A young slave girl introduced as a 'fresh-caught specimen,' she is mischievous, clever, and resistant to discipline, yet good-natured and generous with her treats.
- Eva St. Clare
Fascinated by Topsy's wild behavior, she enjoys her company despite Miss Ophelia's concerns about negative influence.
Key passages
“I've made a purchase for your department—see here”
St. Clare announces he has bought a new slave for Miss Ophelia to train.
Introduces Topsy as a project for Miss Ophelia's educational efforts.
“For you to educate, to be sure, and train in the way she should go.”
St. Clare explains that Topsy is meant for Miss Ophelia to educate and raise properly.
Highlights the theme of education and St. Clare's challenge to Miss Ophelia's principles.
“I used to keep old Missis a swarin' at me half de time. I spects I's the wickedest critter in the world;”
Topsy boasts that she used to make her former mistress curse at her constantly, and claims she is the wickedest creature alive.
Shows Topsy's self-awareness and pride in her rebelliousness, as well as the abuse she endured.
“Whipping and abuse are like laudanum; you have to double the dose as the sensibilities decline.”
St. Clare compares physical punishment to an addictive drug, where increasing doses are needed as the victim becomes desensitized.
Illustrates St. Clare's critique of the brutal cycle of violence in slavery.