Uncle Tom’s Cabin described the lives of Uncle Tom and George, and their different choices and endings. Uncle Tom is a figure with complex personalities. On one hand, he was diligent, loyal and accommodating. On the other hand, he was a devote Christian, who showed no resistance in response to all cruel treatments he received from some of his masters. Uncle Tom served three masters：Shelby, Augustine St. Claire and Legree. The first two treated Tom relatively well, whereas Legree was being a completely tyrant, and beat Tom to death. When Tom was serving Legree, he put his fate to God, and believed in it till he was dead. Uncle Tom’s cabin was considered as a monument of freedom, devote religion and honesty.
On the other hand, George Harris was a opposite character, who believed that devote religion would not be able to help him change his status of slavery, and the only way he could gain freedom was by his resistance and rebellion. Though going through many dangers and suffering, George Harris flee to Canada with his wife and his son, even receiving education in France later on.
I saw positive characteristics in both Uncle Tom and George Harris, but I was sad when I read about Tom’s full forbearance towards Legree, making him a less strong figure. Uncle is mentally religiously strong as he kept his faith till the very end, but do you think his religion and forbearance also showed his weakness as a slavery? George lived till the end despite the fact that he wasnt a religious man, do you consider George as a strong figure or weak figure?
That’s a difficult question to address. Tom reminds me of the enslaved people who informed their masters of insurrections on their plantations. Often, these examples are used to demonstrate the loyalty of the enslaved population to their masters. However, many historians argue these actions actually stood to defend their fellow slaves. While the actions of Tom can be seen as him being loyal to his masters, they also helped protect other enslaved people.