Tom’s response to Legree’s threats is one of the most pivotal speeches in the novel. What is the gist of it? What is its importance for Stowe’s purposes?

Tom tells Legree that he is ready to die and his "troubles will soon be over," but that if Legree does not repent, his troubles will never end. I think this speaks to Tom as an angrel-figure if not a Christ-figure in trying to save Legree from his own cruelty.