# XXVI: Death explained — Uncle Tom’s Cabin

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

## What happens

Eva's health declines rapidly as she prepares for death, gathering the household servants to deliver a final spiritual message urging them to become Christians. She shows kindness to Topsy, who offers her flowers, and expresses her faith in Christ. Her father St. Clare struggles with grief, while Marie remains self-absorbed. Miss Ophelia proves invaluable as a nurse, and Uncle Tom carries Eva to comfort her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Christianity and Morality

Eva's deathbed scene centers on Christian faith, salvation, and the moral imperative to love Christ and care for others' souls.

### Family and Separation

The impending death of Eva threatens to tear apart the St. Clare family, highlighting the pain of losing a beloved child.

### Class and Power

Marie's harsh treatment of Topsy and the servants' subordinate roles illustrate the power dynamics within the household.

## Character check-ins

### Eva St. Clare

The dying child, who gathers the servants to speak of salvation and shows compassion to Topsy.

### Augustine St. Clare

Eva's grieving father, who struggles with his own lack of faith while trying to comfort her.

### Marie St. Clare

Eva's mother, who is self-centered and prone to hysterics, complaining of her own health.

### Miss Ophelia St. Clare

The devoted nurse who cares for Eva with skill and precision.

### Uncle Tom

Eva's faithful friend who carries her and sings hymns to comfort her.

### Topsy

The mischievous child who brings Eva a carefully arranged bouquet and sheds a tear at her kindness.

## Key lines

> Loving Christ most of all

Being a Christian means loving Christ above everything else.

_Eva defines true Christianity for her father, emphasizing devotion to Christ._

> I want to speak to you about your souls.

Eva gathers the servants to discuss their spiritual well-being.

_Eva's final message focuses on the salvation of the household slaves._

> O dear! you can't read—poor souls!

Eva laments that the slaves are illiterate and cannot read the Bible.

_This highlights the systemic denial of education to enslaved people._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uncle_tom_s_cabin_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxvi-death
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uncle_tom_s_cabin_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uncle_tom_s_cabin_se/chapters