Understanding Uncle Tom *SPOILER*

There are two characters in Uncle Tom's Cabin that always seem to stand out, Uncle Tom and Eva. The parallels between Uncle Tom and Eva become apparent as the book progresses, as both characters exemplify love and compassion and practice good faith. I bring up Eva because I think she helps the reader understand Uncle Tom. In many ways, Uncle Tom still maintains a child-like innocence, because he is willing to forgive people who are ignorant to their ways. I do not mean to give away too much but Tom does eventually get taken away from Eva. The separation of Eva and Tom is important because the reader must try to also see Tom as an individual. In many ways, the separation enables Tom to mature and to look at problems through a thoughtful, meaningful theological perspective. Despite the insight Stowe provides about Tom's religious transformation, there still remains a somewhat mysterious, confusing side to his nature. Tom has the ability to put up with far more troubles in a few days than most people have to deal with in their life; thus, I often have a hard time understanding Tom, as his ability to always stay resolved, calm, and determined is far beyond my grasp.