In the works we have read thus far into the semester, few characters have been as polarizing and misunderstood as Uncle Tom. Contrary to the popular misconception of Uncle Tom as a passive and subservient figure, Stowe’s portrayal depicts him as a man of unwavering moral integrity and inner strength. Yes, he exhibits humility and obedience, but these traits are not indicative of weakness; rather, they are rooted in a profound sense of faith and conviction. Uncle Tom’s resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering and cruelty underscores his agency and resistance. Rather than resigning himself to his fate, he maintains his dignity and compassion, refusing to compromise his principles despite the dehumanizing institution of slavery. His relationships with other characters further complicate the simplistic narrative around his character. His interactions with Eva St. Clare, for instance, showcase his capacity for love and empathy, transcending racial boundaries. Even in his encounters with the Simon Legree, particularly when he pressures Tom to whip fellow slave, Lucy, Tom refuses to conform to Legree’s influence, stating that he cannot commit such cruelty. I think this scene is really integral to analyzing Tom’s character because despite facing relentless brutality and dehumanization under Legree’s reign, Tom remains steadfast in his faith and principles. His refusal to compromise his morals for the sake of self-preservation showcases his unwavering integrity and strength of character—an exceptionally artistic choice by Stowe which I believe is one of the most admirable aspects of the novel.
-Siena Rose
I agree with you that many overlook the strong moral integrity of Uncle Tom, seeing his character more as an overly submissive and people-pleasing person to slave owners.
Perhaps part of the conflict is his unyielding moral goodness and selflessness – we know he’s that person at the beginning, and he maintains that god-fearing principle, loving others to his fullest and incapable of actually hating anyone. including vile people like Haley.
At the slave auction in Chapter 13, Uncle Tom isn’t described with any particular strong reactions to Haley’s evilness – how Haley bought 14-year-old Albert while leaving Albert’s elderly mother behind without hesitation; how he mourns Lucy but seems neutral in Haley’s response of brushing off Lucy’s suicide as “unlucky”. We see Tom consoling and trying to help victims, but never once does Stowe describes any hint of active condemnation in Uncle Tom directed towards the ones who carry out immoral deeds. It makes the reader wonder what his breaking point is, if there is any. Moral limitations in a character, to me, makes their complexity. These instances of Uncle Tom lead me to think that he is not as much a complex character as he is a static character (which isn’t necessarily a negative thing).