The term “Uncle Tom” shouldn’t have been treated as an insult. It is understandable why it was because Uncle Tom did defend his masters, refuse to kill Legree and forgave his killers, which some may see as him being weak and submissive to white people. However Uncle Tom was an honest, brave man and true Christian, “Tom is a noble hearted, faithful fellow” (Stowe, 34). He had faith and chose to see the best in people. He never complained or blamed others and his choices may have been frustrating but in no way was he a bad person. He was killed because he refused to give the location Cassy and Emmeline. Everyone he met was influenced by him, including George Shelby, who freed all his slaves after Tom’s death as a recognition of Uncle Tom’s bravery.