Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Chapter 16 summary
Chapter 16 of 45 · 30 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 16, Miss Ophelia takes charge of household matters while Marie defends her treatment of enslaved servants and Eva shows them practical kindness. St. Clare exposes the selfish interests behind religious defenses of slavery, but his sharp criticism contrasts with his refusal to define his own position or change his conduct.
What happens
- At breakfast, Marie calls Mammy selfish despite denying her rest and keeping her apart from her husband and children.
- Marie gives Miss Ophelia household instructions and defends strict discipline, while Ophelia insists that enslaved people have human and spiritual claims.
- Eva decorates Tom with flowers, and St. Clare challenges Ophelia’s discomfort with their closeness.
- Before church, Eva gives her gold vinaigrette to Mammy for her headache, despite Marie’s objections.
- At dinner, Marie praises a sermon defending social ranks and slavery, while St. Clare attacks religious excuses for profitable oppression.
- Eva describes reading Scripture with Tom, and St. Clare reports hearing Tom pray earnestly for his conversion.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of La Case de l’oncle Tom, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
In this chapter
What to notice
St. Clare openly recognizes the gap between explaining right conduct and practicing it. His remark clarifies why his criticism does not itself change the household’s arrangements.
Quick check
Why does Eva prefer living in a household with many servants?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of La Case de l’oncle Tom, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
