# XXVII: “This Is the Last of Earth” explained — Uncle Tom’s Cabin

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

## What happens

In the aftermath of Eva's death, St. Clare struggles with grief and doubt, while Tom tries to comfort him with faith. Topsy mourns Eva, and Miss Ophelia promises to love her. Marie complains of St. Clare's lack of visible grief, but Tom sees his silent sorrow. St. Clare returns to New Orleans, restless, and confesses his inability to believe, despite Tom's earnest prayers.

## Themes in this chapter

### Christianity and Morality

St. Clare's crisis of faith and Tom's unwavering belief highlight the tension between intellectual doubt and heartfelt religion.

### Motherhood and Sacrifice

Miss Ophelia's tearful promise to love Topsy echoes Eva's sacrificial love, showing a maternal care that transcends blood.

### Family and Separation

Eva's death creates a profound void, separating St. Clare from his daughter and Topsy from her only source of love.

## Character check-ins

### Augustine St. Clare

Grieving Eva, he wrestles with doubt and longs for faith, finding comfort in Tom's prayers.

### Uncle Tom

Devotedly tries to comfort St. Clare, sharing his own faith and praying for his master.

### Topsy

Mourns Eva's death, feeling abandoned, but receives comfort from Miss Ophelia.

### Miss Ophelia St. Clare

Moved by Eva's example, she promises to love and guide Topsy.

### Marie St. Clare

Self-absorbed in her grief, she criticizes St. Clare's lack of visible emotion.

### Mammy

Defends St. Clare, noting his thinness and silent grief.

## Key lines

> I want to believe this Bible—and I can’t.

St. Clare confesses his desire for faith but his inability to achieve it.

_Reveals his spiritual struggle after Eva's death._

> Felt Him in my soul, Mas'r—feel Him now!

Tom testifies that he experiences God's presence directly in his heart.

_Tom's faith is based on personal experience, not intellectual proof._

> I jist wish I hadn't never been born.

Topsy expresses despair and a sense of worthlessness after Eva's death.

_Highlights the emotional devastation of a child who had found love._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uncle_tom_s_cabin_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxvii-this-is-the-last-of-earth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uncle_tom_s_cabin_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uncle_tom_s_cabin_se/chapters