Why Is Tom Considered A Turning Point

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Although Tom’s being sold marked a significant turning point in Tom’s family relations, Tom’s being sold overall did not mark a turning point in his religion or in his treatment, in that before and after his being sold, Tom was a devout Christian, and in that before and after his being sold, Tom was treated relatively well. Tom’s being sold marked a significant turning point in Tom’s family relations. Firstly, before he was sold, Tom lived with his family at the Shelby farm. Tom had a wife, called Aunt Chloe, and children. On the other hand, after Tom was sold to Augustine St. Clare, he was separated from his family. Although Tom writes a letter back to his family while living at the St. Clare plantation (Stowe, 1852, p. 349), he remains separated from his family and never sees them again. This marks a significant difference from before Tom …show more content…

Firstly, before he was sold, Tom was treated relatively well by his masters, The Shelbys. For example, Tom is even taught to read and write by George, the son of Mr. Shelby (Stowe, 1852, p. 68). Furthermore, when Tom leaves with the slave trader Mr. Haley to be sold, George Shelby gives Tom a dollar coin, showing his family’s care for Tom (p. 171). Similarly, after he is sold, Tom is treated relatively well by his new master, Augustine St. Clare. For instance, right after Tom is sold to St. Clare, Eva, the daughter of St. Clare, remarks that “Papa is very good to everybody” (Stowe, 1852, p. 238). In addition, following the death of Eva, St. Clare tells Tom that he intends to free him (Stowe, 1852, p. 441). This marks a significant similarity to before Tom was sold, since he is treated well both before and after he is sold. Therefore, Tom’s being sold did not mark a significant turning point in his treatment in that before and after his being sold, Tom was treated relatively