Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Chapter 39 summary

What happens

1. Cassy revives fear of the attic by moving her bedroom and using a bottle to create eerie sounds.
2. She frightens Legree during a storm, making him unwilling to explore the attic where she secretly stores supplies.
3. Cassy explains a plan to draw pursuers toward the swamp, evade the dogs through water, and return home unseen.
4. Legree spots the women fleeing, and Cassy prevents Emmeline from fainting by threatening her with a knife.
5. While the search party enters the swamp, the women return, and Cassy takes money from Legree’s desk.
6. They settle inside a furnished packing box in the attic, and the unsuccessful hunters return before midnight.

In this chapter

What to notice

Cassy rejects Legree’s moral claim over the money. Her defense connects his wealth with the exploitation of enslaved people.

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