This book is becoming more and more frustrating for me. After reading about how Henrique, at 12 years old, treats Tom with such cruelty, I was angered because this is behavior he was taught. Children are supposed to treats all adults with respect, and know their place. I realize that during this time people were not treated equally. However, there should still be a line between master and abuser, which Henrique, and Legree have jumped past. Unlike Henrique, Legree is even worse becasue he not only brutally abuses his slaves, but he uses females for his sexual selfishness. Cassy is a heartbreaking character. She is so jaded because of the way she was treated, that she had to murder her OWN CHILD becuase thats the only option she felt she had. I believe Stowe was writing about the horrifying reality for these slaves not only for a reaction, but because this is truly how their life was. These people lived in constant fear of being beaten, raped, sold, and their families ripped apart for a few hundred dollars. I completely understand why Tom at times was so complacent. He had no choice but to do what he was told and hope that it turns out for the best.
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