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Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Chapter 15 summary

Chapter 15 of 45 · 25 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 15, Augustine St. Clare brings Eva, Miss Ophelia St. Clare, and Tom to his New Orleans home, where Tom becomes Marie St. Clare’s coachman. The account of Augustine’s disappointed love and unhappy marriage explains his household’s troubles, while the arrival reveals differences in affection, discipline, and attitudes toward Black people.

What happens

  1. A deceptive message separates Augustine from his fiancée, and he marries Marie before discovering the deception.
  2. Marie’s selfishness and complaints leave Augustine anxious about Eva, so he recruits his orderly cousin Ophelia to help.
  3. As their boat reaches New Orleans, Ophelia guards the baggage while Augustine calmly waits for the landing crowd to disperse.
  4. At home, Eva embraces Mammy and the other servants, provoking Ophelia’s discomfort with kissing Black people.
  5. Augustine rebukes Adolph for mocking Tom and presents Tom to Marie as her new coachman.
  6. Marie complains about Augustine’s absence and his gift, while Mammy takes Ophelia to her room.

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In this chapter

TomEvaSt. Clare

What to notice

St. Clare makes Ophelia’s racial discomfort explicit. Her wish to treat everyone kindly does not extend to the affectionate contact Eva welcomes.

Quick check

Why does Augustine bring Miss Ophelia to his home?

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