Uncle Tom's Cabin Synopsis

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Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin opens up on a scene with Mr. Shelby, a Kentucky farmer, and Mr. Haley, a slave trader, making arrangements for Mr. Shelby to sell two of his slaves. It is agreed upon that the two slaves to be sold are one who is referred to as Uncle Tom, a local and devoted slave that is widely liked among the household, and Henry Harris, the young son of Eliza Harris. Although Mr. Shelby would rather not sell any of his slaves, the debt that he has accumulated has forced him to. Once he reveals the arrangement to his wife she pleads for him not to sell, but he tells her there is simply no other way. Overhearing this conversation, Eliza is horrified to find out that her son will be taken away from her and ultimately makes the decision to run away to the north …show more content…

Phineas, a Quaker, warns them that Tom Loker and his men are headed their way. The family and a few other Quakers leave the settlement and set up a small camp soon after leaving. Tom and his men eventually find their camp where George shoots Tom in the side. The rest of his men abandon him with little effort to save him. Once they gather around Tom, who is injured and unconscious, Eliza takes pity on the man and has him taken to a Quaker settlement in order to recover. The gang continues to head North. Back at St. Clare's house a new slave named Topsy has been purchased for Miss Ophelia so that she may educate her and overcome her prejudice towards blacks. Meanwhile Tom and Eva have been getting even closer by their shared love of their religion. However, it becomes apparent that Eva is quite sick and will die soon. Before her death, she has locks of her hair cut and given to the slaves so that they will remember her. Her death influences all those around her and leads to her father’s decision to free Tom. Only before he is able to do so he is stabbed while trying to settle a fight at the