Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Chapter 17 summary
Chapter 17 of 45 · 28 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 17, George Harris and his companions leave their Quaker refuge, face armed pursuers, and defend themselves from a rocky stronghold with Phineas Fletcher’s help. After George wounds Tom Loker and Phineas pushes him into a chasm, the fugitives show mercy by carrying their abandoned attacker to a farmhouse for care.
What happens
- Phineas Fletcher reports a capture plan that threatens George’s family and Jim’s mother, prompting preparations for escape and armed defense.
- Simeon Halliday comforts George with a Psalm, and the fugitives leave by wagon after supper.
- Michael Cross warns that pursuers approach, and Phineas leads the passengers onto rocks while Michael seeks help.
- George declares their freedom, Marks fires unsuccessfully, and George shoots Tom Loker before Phineas pushes him into a chasm.
- The attackers retreat and abandon Tom, but Eliza and George urge their companions to help him.
- Phineas bandages Tom, and the party carries him to a farmhouse, where he receives a bed and treatment.
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In this chapter
What to notice
George denies the moral authority of laws that treat people as property. His declaration makes the defense an assertion of freedom, not merely an attempt to escape.
Quick check
What happens to Tom Loker after his companions abandon him?
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