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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. After the death on the Shelby plantation, who travels from the Shelby plantation to the Legree plantation?

2. When the Shelby's get Uncle Tom's letter, what does Mr. Shelby say that Tom should do to get on with his life?

3. What state are George and Eliza in when the reader catches up with their story in Chapter 37?

4. At the end of Chapter 45, who does Stowe say will have "a heavy account to answer?"

5. To whom does Eva give reading lessons?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the ironic about Emmeline's being brought up "by the Bible?"

2. What purpose does Augustine St. Clare's defense of slavery serve to the reader?

3. Why might Stowe have had the significant black characters who are now free end up going to Africa to do missionary work?

4. Why might Simon Legree "secretly dislike" Tom and why was it so important for him to get Tom to whip a person?

5. What are the similarities between Aunt Chloe And Mrs. Shelby which are emphasized?

6. How is Tom's death the epitome of selflessness and forgiveness?

7. Why might Stowe ends this chapter speaking directly to the reader about what might it feel like to be free for the first time?

8. How does Miss Ophelia's feelings about "training" Topsy reveal what the problem is for people who attempt to control their servants or slaves with violence?

9. With all the happy endings in the book, why might Stowe have chosen to have Tom, the most beloved character, beat to death?

10. What is Mr. Shelby's objection to Mrs. Shelby having taught religion to the slaves?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Uncle Tom's Cabin is one of the most enduring American novels of social protest. Evaluate the novel's strength as a tract for social protest by discussing the characterization of Uncle Tom, Eliza and her family of George and Harry, and the slave owners, Mr. Shelby and Simon Legree.

Essay Topic 2

In Uncle Tom's Cabin, Stowe has her principle black characters return to Africa and do missionary work. Evaluate that "ending" versus having them remain in Canada. What does this ending suggest about her feelings about:

a. racial integration,

b. the eventual abolition of slavery,

c. the contribution of blacks to American society, and

d. the obligation that white Americans had to the slaves that they obtained and exploited?

You may decide to write about three or all four of these topics.

Essay Topic 3

There are several characters in Uncle Tom's Cabin who exemplify courage; conversely, there are several who exemplify cowardice. Identify these characters as their depiction of courage or cowardice. Then specifically refer to what actions or words of theirs come to embody these qualities and define courage and cowardice.

(see the answer keys)

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