Tom - World Classics of Young Literature

Author: Stowe
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: World Youth Literature Classics Collection. The protagonist of the novel, Tom, was originally a "house slave" of Kentucky slave owner Shelby, serving his master since childhood. After reaching adulthood, he became the farm manager, faithfully upholding the master's interests. After Shelby's failure in the stock market speculation, he decided to sell Tom and the slave Eliza's son, Harry, to settle his debts. Tom was a loyal Christian, enduring hardship with resignation and obedience; Eliza, however, escaped with her son. Her husband, George, also couldn't bear the master's abuse and disguised himself to flee. The plot revolves around Tom's multiple changes in ownership and the struggle of Eliza and George for freedom. After enduring countless hardships, Eliza finally reunited with her husband, took her son to Canada, and gained freedom. Meanwhile, Tom refused to escape and was later sold to the cruel and vicious Legree. On the plantation, Tom incurred the master's anger by sympathizing with his Black fellow countrymen, especially by helping two Black women escape, and suffered various humiliations and tortures. However, he remained steadfast and refused to betray his fellow countrymen, even to the point of death. As a result, Legree brutally killed Tom.