Uncle Tom's Cabin

Many formerly sinful characters reform their ways throughout the novel. Examine these instances, as well as instances where characters fail or refuse to reform their ways. What does this say about the moral compass of the novel? What causes some characters to reform and others to continue to do wrong?

Examine the social hierarchy among the slaves in the novel. How do they treat each other? What criteria do they use to judge one another? Finally, what does this say about the society they are brought up in?

Eva St. Clare is one of the novel’s most remembered characters. What purpose does she serve in Uncle Tom’s life? What impact does she have on the characters that gravitate toward her?

Through Mr. Shelby, Augustine St. Clare, and Simon Legree, Stowe gives examples of three different modes of slave ownership. Compare and contrast these men. How do their differences contribute to Stowe’s anti-slavery message?

The character Topsy shows how nurture, rather than nature, is the greatest determinant of a person’s character. In what other instances is this the case in the novel? How do these instances emphasize Stowe’s argument?

The subtitle of Uncle Tom’s Cabin is “Life Among the Lowly.” This plays into Stowe’s recurring theme of showing the feelings of “living property.” In what ways does Stowe build sympathy for the “lowly?” What is her purpose in doing so? 

After receiving his education in France, George Harris decides to move his family to the new African Country, Liberia. What is the appeal of Liberia for George? Why is it better for him even than an emancipated America? 

While Augustine St. Clare is a kind and indulgent master, such treatment of his slaves proves dangerous. What dangers do kind masters like Augustine pose to Tom and others that cruel masters like Legree do not?