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Uncle Tom's Cabin Study Guide

by Harriet Stowe

Uncle Tom's Cabin study guide contains a biography of Harriet Beecher Stowe, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Uncle Tom's Cabin, described by Stowe herself as a "series of sketches" depicting the human cruelty of slavery, opens with a description of Arthur Shelby's Kentucky plantation during the antebellum period. Although Shelby is not characterized as a cruel master, he has nevertheless incurred serious debts- prompting him sell some slaves to avoid financial ruin. Mr. Haley, the slave trader, purchases Uncle Tom, Shelby's loyal servant since childhood, and five-year-old Harry, a beautiful and talented child who sings, dances and mimes. Shelby regrets taking the child away from his mother, Eliza, as much as he regrets betraying Uncle Tom's faithfulness. Eliza overhears Mrs. Shelby, a very religious woman, protesting her husband's decision, and…

Read the full Uncle Tom's Cabin Summary

• Uncle Tom's Cabin Summary
• About Uncle Tom's Cabin
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 1-5
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 6-10
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 11-15
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 16-20
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 21-25
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 26-30
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 31-35
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 36-40
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 41-45
• Related Links on Uncle Tom's Cabin
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• Uncle Tom's Cabin: Essays
• Uncle Tom's Cabin: E-Text
• Uncle Tom's Cabin: Questions
• Uncle Tom's Cabin: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Harriet Stowe: Biography