Uncle Tom

Uncle Tom is the main protagonist of the controversial anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and its various play and movie adaptations.
He is portrayed by many actors throughout the play and movie adaptations.
==Biography==
===Background===
At the age of eight in Kentucky, Uncle Tom's mistress asked Tom to serve under Arthur Shelby back when Arthur was still a baby. Arthur eventually grew up and married Emily and had a child named Harry. Tom himself married Aunt Chloe and had three children; Mose, Pete, and baby Mericky. Four years before the events of the novel, Tom went to a Christian camp and converted into Christianity. Arthur has trusted Tom with various responsibilities including his finances. Tom has become a patriarch in the neighborhood for religion and has become widely respected. Arthur and Emily have discussed granting Tom freedom many times.
===In Which the Reader Is Introduced to a Man of Humanity===
In February, Arthur and Mr. Haley are discussing the trading of slaves, as Arthur is in debt. He offers Tom to Mr. Haley, but Mr. Haley wants a boy or woman along with Tom. He shows interest in Eliza and Harry, but Arthur refuses to sell either of them, as Emily would not be able to part from Eliza, and Harry would be frightened without his mother. Though Mr. Haley agrees that slaveowners should have some humanity, they should also be willing to be hard on their slaves. Arthur agrees to think about it and talk with Emily about it, and Mr. Haley will have his answer by evening.
===An Evening in Uncle Tom's Cabin===
In the cabin where Tom lives, Tom is copying letters onto a slate with George Shelby looking over him. Chloe makes a pound cake and gives it to George, who eats the cake and lauds it. Upon request by George, Chloe makes more cake for Mose and Pete and they sit around a table. Mose and Pete went underneath the table and ate their cake as they rolled and tickled each other underneath the table, despite the threats from Chloe. Tom remarks how the kids cannot behave because they are "full of tickle".
After Mose and Pete leave to wash up, Chloe, having washed Mericky, sets her down on Tom's lap before cleaning supper. Tom sets Mericky on his shoulder and starts dancing with her. After Pete and Mose come back to the house, Chloe calls for an assemblage to figure out the accommodations for the weekly meeting. Eventually, all the guests arrive for the meeting, which consisted of conversations of gossip along with singing. 
Meanwhile, in the dining hall of the master house, Arthur has completed his trade with Mr. Haley. Arthur begs Mr. Haley to not sell Tom to an unknown slave master. Mr. Haley points out that Arthur had just done so, though Arthur points that circumstances had forced him to. Though Mr. Haley indicates that the same thing might happen to him, he promises to try his best not to treat Tom cruely.
===Showing the Feelings of Living Property on Changing Owners===
When Emily questions who the other person and reveals that Eliza had overheard Arthur discussing with a slave trader, Arthur admits to Emily that he has sold Tom and Harry to Mr. Haley. Emily scolds Arthur, pointing out her Christian role to take care of the slaves, that Tom had been noble and trustworthy, and that she had told Emily that humans are more important than money. Arthur defends himself, saying that Tom and Harry would provide the most sum of money and it was either them, or the entire house. Though he expresses remorse for his actions, he reveals that the sale has already been done.
Eliza overhears the conversation through a closet and sneaks into her room. She writes a note to Emily and dresses herself and Harry and packs her items in preparation for an escape. Eliza goes to Tom's cabin and reveals to him that Arthur has sold Tom and Harry, and that she and Harry are running away. Tom decides to not run away with Eliza as he still trusts Arthur and is willing to be sold. Despite his decision, he breaks down and sobs upon seeing his children in bed. Eliza departs, saying she is going to Canada and requests that if they ever see her husband, George Harris, that they tell him where Eliza went.
===The Mother's Struggle===
During the search by Arthur and Mr. Haley for Eliza the next day, Emily orders Chloe to make dinner. While Chloe is making gravy, she discusses with two slave kids, Andy and Jake, how evil Mr. Haley is. Tom overhears the conversation while standing inside near the front door quietly and when he hears Andy and Jake wishing damnation upon Mr. Haley, Tom scolds the children for wishing such a horrific punishment on Mr. Haley. He tells the children and Chloe to instead pray to god for Mr. Haley, despite Chloe finding it rather difficult.
Tom admits that despite believing what Arthur did was right, he is worried that Arthur will have a difficult time with the chores. He is summoned to the parlor by a bell where Mr. Haley and Arthur are. Arthur allows Tom to have day where he can do whatever he wants while Mr. Haley attends to business. Though grateful, after a racist remark by Mr. Haley, Tom asks Arthur if he had ever done anything contrary to Arthur's wishes. 
This makes Arthur break down in tears and admits remorse for selling Tom, and Emily asks Mr. Haley to "take good account" of whoever he sells Tom to and to tell Arthur and Emily when he does. In response, Mr. Haley admits that he may trade Tom in a year. Emily asks if they can trade back Tom then, prompting Mr. Haley to make a remark about how all of them just want to make a good profit, much to the annoyance of Arthur and Emily. Mr. Haley eventually leaves to pursue Eliza.
Category:Book Heroes
Category:Movie Heroes
Category:Male
Category:Parents
Category:Spouses
Category:In Love