The Shelbys are a rough example of what the ideal slave holders were during this time. They tried their best to keep slave families together, treated their slaves relatively well (they described it as almost on a blood level, in the very beginning Mr. Shelby describing that they would just as soon sell his own children than the slave kids) and in general were patient and kind to their slaves. But, the novel shows that upholding certain ethics but still willingly participating in the Peculiar Institution that is slavery is impossible. Mr. Shelby breaks his own moral code by selling Tom and Harry. Despite his best efforts and beliefs that he is a good slave owner, and more importantly that he is above Haley, the slave trader, he still contributes to the system, and therefore can not live an ethical life like he believes he does. This is important because he is shown as an incredibly moderate slave holder, and is in the area of the most nonradical version of slavery according to Beecher,”Perhaps the mildest form of the system of slavery is to be seen in the State of Kentucky.” (Page 14.) Because he is not clean of the blood and dirt of slavery despite attempting to be kind and respectful to his slaves, it shows that there is no true way to participate in slavery and lead an ethical life. How could slavery be a positive good if even the most tolerant slave owners broke apart families and brought grief upon their life. The Shelbys are an example of there being no such thing as an ethical slave owner, as Mr. Shelby had to break his moral code to continue participating in the institution by selling Tom and Harry. Eventually, George frees his slaves after the death of his father, choosing morality over slavery.

St. Clare is possibly even more complicated as a character than Mr. Shelby because he seems to understand slavery to be an evil but is unwilling/unable to change. St. Clare is rather more concerned with what seems to be the easier route for him, make money off of slavery, don’t stir the pot. To further the complication of St. Clare’s morals versus actions is his cousin Ophelia, who is an example of anti-slavery versus abolitionism. When first introduced to her, Ophelia is anti-slavery, against the institution, but is not necessarily for the equality of blacks and whites. The cousins argue over the subject for a while, but are both changed by the death of Eva, pushing both to more progressive ideas, and St. Clare promising to free Tom.

The least moral slave holder encountered is Simon Legree who buys Tom after the death of St. Clare. He appears to have virtuality no morals and is a pretty uncomplicated character, seemingly having no redeeming qualities and appearing to be ruthless just because he can. He makes it his job to break Tom after he disobeys him by not punishing another slave, but is unsuccessful in his endeavors as Tom’s faith stays (though it did falter at times.) He orders for Tom to be killed in the end.

None of the slave holders could truly be ethical people while continuing to hold onto the title. For most of them, their main moral values are seen in their doubts and hypocrites towards the institution, and either have to give up participating in it completely or never truly live up to their own moral code.