1. a) Briefly describe Mr. Shelby and Mr. Haley. b) Why do you think Mr. Shelby is referred to as having “...the appearance of a gentleman...”? Why would this be important?

Shelby is characterized as a "kind" slaveowner; he is the stereotypical Southern gentleman. When Shelby experiences a financial crisis because of gambling debts, he sells Tom and the little boy Harry to save his plantation. Mr. Haley is the coarse slave trader who buys Tom and Harry from Mr. Shelby. Ironically, he considers himself a humane man although he is pursues Eliza and her son with dogs across the frozen Ohio River.