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Uncle Tom


            Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, takes place in the southern United States before the Civil War. Stowe's novel focuses on slavery in these southern states. Uncle Tom, the main character experiences both the ups and downs of slavery, having both good and cruel masters. Throughout the book, Stowe writes stereotypically of the slaves" religion by writing, numerous times, of Tom and other slaves singing Negro spirituals. Stowe made Uncle Tom a very religious character, and reveals this side of him by constantly writing about him encouraging others to be Christians and stating that God loved everyone. Stowe made it clear that religion was the only thing slaves had at that time, and on many occasions, the characters in her book would speak of eternal life to look forward to, after death. .
             Uncle Tom's first master in the book was Mr. Shelby. He was exceptionally kind to all of his slaves, and had always promised Tom his freedom, but, unfortunately, he was in debt and needed to sell Tom along with a young mulatto boy named Harry. The slave trader, who bought the two slaves, wanted Harry after he had seen him perform at Mr. Shelby's command. He knew that a boy as talented and as handsome as Harry was rare and would sell for considerable amount of money, for any rich family would want him. The .
             boy's mother, Eliza Harris, could not live without her son and therefore, fled with him planning to run to Canada where they would both be free. Before she left by night, she told Tom of what there master had done, and insisted that he go along with her, but he refused because he knew if he did flee, Mr. Shelby would have to sell all of the slaves to get out of his debt.
             Stowe showed that not all slavery was harsh by showing that there were kind masters as Mr. Shelby. Mr. Shelby made sure Tom went to a good master after he had sold him, and Tom was told that once they had enough money, they would buy him back.


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