The Evils of Slavery

Slavery is a major topic of the book. The book is about slavery but it specifically tells the reader of the evils of slavery. There are many moments throughout the book where slavery is mentioned. There is a lot of racism in this book. The slave owners are all money hungry people. The only decent slave owner in the book is George Shelby. He is a nice owner who says that will let all his slaves free when he dies. Everybody else treats the slaves like animals. The book was written after the law for runaway slaves was passed. It was illegal for anyone to help slaves in the 1800s. This book demonstrates the evil of slavery by giving examples of runaway slaves that needed help.

Emancipation of Slavery

“It was on his grave, my friends, that I resolved, before God, that I would never own another slave while it was possible to free him-that nobody, through me, should ever run the risk of being parted from home and friends and dying on a lonely plantation, as he died. So when you rejoice in your freedom, think that you owe it to that good old soul, and pay it back in kindness to his wife and children. Think of your freedom every time you see UNCLE TOM’S CABIN. And let it be a memorial to put you all in mind to follow in his steps, and be as honest and faithful and Christian as he was.” (Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Page 434)
This is the last paragraph in the book. When George Shelby returns home he tells all the slaves that he will pay them and that when he dies they will all be free. He says the reason for their freedom is Uncle Tom. Tom had a very big impact on Shelby’s life. Shelby looks at Uncle Tom’s Cabin where he was taken away from his family. He tells his slaves to look at Uncle Tom’s Cabin when they think of freedom. This book ends sort of on a happy note because the slaves get emancipation but Uncle Tom dies which isn’t good. But overall the book has a happy ending.

Slavery Is Not In The Bible

“And he showed how all the orders and distinctions in society came from God, and that it was so appropriate, you know, and beautiful, that some should be high and some low, and that some were born to rule and some to serve, and all that, you know. And he applied it so well to all this ridiculous fuss that is made about slavery, and he proved distinctly that the Bible was on or side, and supported all our institutions so convincingly. I only wish you’d heard him.” (Page 182-183)
In this quote Mrs. St. Claire is talking about her beliefs about slavery. She is saying that slavery is needed. She believes the Bible says that slavery is not an option and that God made slavery for a reason. Her husband however disagrees saying that slavery is just there for convenience. It isn’t really needed; it just makes white people’s lives easier. Miss Ophelia the maid of the St. Claire house has a different opinion about slaves. She doesn’t think slaves should not be a degraded race. She doesn’t love slaves but she doesn’t believe slavery is a good thing.

Seperating Families Through Slave Trading

“‘They want to sell the boy and the old woman together,’ said the man. ‘Find a tight pull-why, she’s an old rack o’ bones, not worth her salt.’ ‘You wouldn’t be then?’ said the man. ‘Anybody’d be a fool ’twould. She’s half blind, crooked with rheumatis, and foolish to boot.’” (Page 121, Uncle Tom’s Cabin)
In this chapter Haley is in his wagon with Tom going around buying more slaves. In this scene he is trying to buy a young boy named Albert without his mother coming with him. Haley seems to like to separate families apart. He doesn’t really care if he buys a son and leaves the mother behind. He sees black people as just property which is despicable. In this chapter Haley buys more slaves and separates them from their families. He buys a man named John and doesn’t give him a chance to say bye to his wife. He also buys a women and her infant and sells the infant to another slave trader. The mother commits suicide because of this. Haley shows no emotion and puts her name under the losses category.