Uncle Tom's Faith

Uncle Tom's Faith

In the novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom, the main character, possesses a trait that sanctifies him from the rest of the characters. Uncle Tom's faith is his source of strength throughout the novel. This is portrayed socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Uncle Tom relies solely on his faith in God to assist him in all the trials, tribulations, and hardships that he endures. Tom never succumbs to the sin that those around him are so deeply engulfed. Tom's dedication to the Christian faith obviously sets him apart from the other characters in the story. However, without his unbinding belief in God, Uncle Tom would cease to be such a Christ-like figure.

The first method in which Uncle Tom's faith allows him to cope with the hardships of slavery is socially. One must understand that Uncle Tom is constantly paralleled to Christ during the course of events in the novel. Tom is the social leader of the slaves on the Shelby plantation. Uncle Tom's cabin is the focal point of fellowship for the slaves. This is because everybody perceives Tom as a mentor, and also because Aunt Chloe, his wife, is a fantastic cook. His charismatic personality allows him to lead and organize their religious meetings which are held in his home as well. One can see how Tom's faith allows him to be a social leader among the slaves. Stowe says on page 35 that,

Uncle Tom was a sort of patriarch in religious matters, in the neighborhood. Having, naturally, an organization in which morale was strongly predominant together with a greater breadth and cultivation of mind that obtained among his companions, he was looked up to with great respect, as a sort of minister among them.

Uncle Tom disallowed his recognition as an authoritative figure to become egocentric. Tom prayed with, "touching simplicity" and "childlike earnestness" (Stowe 35). As Tom's character develops, the reader can identify the sincere humility, loyalty, and submission of his heart. Despite the austere conditions of the time, Tom uses his social gifts to be a light to those he comes in contact with.

Uncle Tom also experienced emotional trauma due to the afflictions of slavery as well as social trauma. The reader learns that without his faith, Tom would not have acted in a Christ-like fashion. The point in the novel in which Uncle Tom is to be sold to Mr. Haley portrays how Tom's faith enables him to endure the emotional aspect of slavery's hardships. "No, no, - I an't going. Let Eliza go, - it's her right! I wouldn't be the one to say no, - 'tan't in natur for her to stay; but you heard what she said! If I must be sold, or all the people on the place, and everything go to rack, why, let me be sold" (Stowe 45). This quote demonstrates Uncle Tom's faith and his complete trust in God. He had the perfect chance to escape to Canada and potentially become a free man. Nevertheless, Tom refuses and decides to let fate take its toll. Immediately, Uncle Tom thinks of the other slaves on the plantation and he puts himself in their shoes. This also shows his compassion; the same compassion that Christ has bestowed on all of us. Tom, over the years, has formed many emotional relationships with the people he is about to dismiss from his life. His faith in God, on the other hand, is stronger than the emotional ties he has built with his fellow slaves, including his wife. Uncle Tom sacrifices himself and is willing to be sold in order to save the plantation from chaos.

One can now see how Tom's faith has helped him endure the social and emotional aspects of slavery. However, Uncle Tom's faith also aided him in withstanding the spiritual aspect as well. As the novel progresses, Tom's faith is tested more and more. It would have been easy for Uncle Tom to have lost hope and given up. On the contraire, Tom's faith strengthens as the novel comes to a close. He knows that God has put him on this earth for a purpose. Due to his powerful faith, Tom isn't afraid of death, if that is God's will for his life. The reader finds Uncle Tom rationalizing human nature. Tom feels sorry and takes pity on the condition of the slave owner's souls. He does not hold a grudge, but prays for their misfortune.

Uncle Tom is in a constant hope for the future. This is also how he is able to endure the hardships of slavery on a spiritual basis. Tom's focus is not on the present, but the future. Although Tom realizes that the future may hold death, he knows that if that is the case then he will spend eternity with the Lord. Eva St. Clare helps Tom look at the bigger picture. When Eva is on the verge of