Brief Summary Of Uncle Tom's Cabin

The tale of Uncle Tom’s Cabin begins in the parlor of the Shelby household, as Mr. Shelby discusses how many slaves he will need to sell to Mr. Haley, a slave trader, to relieve him of his debts after falling upon hard times. Shelby ultimately decides to sell Tom, a “good, steady, sensible, pious fellow” (Stowe 2). Eliza, Mrs. Shelby’s favorite slave, overhears the negotiations for the sale of her son, Harry, as well and promptly decides that they must run away to Canada that same night. She hopes to ultimately reunite with her husband, George, who has previously decided that he will run away from his master to Canada. Eliza also warns Tom and his wife that they too should flee. Although Eliza is fearful of leaving her home, she prays for
Evangeline St. Clare, commonly known as Eva, wanders around the boat and talks with all of the slaves. When Eva asks Tom of his destination, he replies, “I am going to be sold to somebody. I don’t know who.” Eva tells him that “My papa can buy you, and if he buys you, you will have good times. I mean to ask him to, this very day” (Stowe 167). When the wheel of the boat makes a sharp and sudden movement, Eva loses her balance and falls over the side of the boat, into the Mississippi waters. Before her father, Augustine, has the chance to plunge in and rescue her, Tom dives in and scoops her out of the water and back onto deck. Upon reaching their destination, St. Clare negotiates the sale of Tom and ultimately becomes his new master, with the goal that he would be Eva’s personal servant. Tom accompanies Augustine, Eva, and cousin Ophelia to their home in New Orleans, Louisiana. Although Augustine treats his servants well, Marie St. Clare, his wife, who is bigoted and spoiled and runs her slaves to death as they attempt to meet her incessant demands. Meanwhile, Tom and Eva’s relationship blossoms as he teaches her more about his faith by reading from the Bible. During all of this, the Harrises and two other fugitive slaves are driven to the next stop on their journey when pursuers overtake them. George injures one pursuer, Loker, with his pistol and Eliza convinces the party to bring him with them to be