Uncle Tom's Cabin

Tom fixes his thoughts on the example of Christ in order to help his suffering. Legree puts him back to work before his wounds have time to heal. He persecutes Tom mercilessly. In the zenith of cotton season, he works his slaves without end. Tom has no time to even read his Bible. Tom wrestles with doubt. He prays that the Shelbys remember him.

Legree comes one night to taunt Tom. He tells him that he could have had it easy like Sambo and Quimbo. He offers to forgive Tom if he throws his Bible in the fire. Tom again refuses, and Legree again promises to bring Tom under his sway.

Legree’s goading brings Tom to the lowest point he has ever experienced. He suddenly has “a vision […] of one crowned with thorns, buffeted and bleeding” (554). The vision of Christ tells him to overcome his trials and join him in Heaven. Tom’s soul is steeped in joy. He no longer feels his earthly suffering.

From this moment on, “an inviolable sphere of peace encompassed the lowly heart of the oppressed one” (556). Legree and Sambo notice the change. They suspect Tom is planning to run away.

Tom is overcome with compassion for the suffering of his fellow slaves.