Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Chapter 21 summary
Chapter 21 of 45 · Volume 2 · 8 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 21, Mrs. Shelby presses her husband to raise money to buy Tom back, but he dismisses her financial advice and questions their promise. Aunt Chloe proposes earning wages at a Louisville confectioner’s, and Mrs. Shelby agrees to save her earnings for Tom, subject to her husband’s approval.
What happens
- Mrs. Shelby reports that Tom receives kind treatment but anxiously asks when they can buy him back.
- Mr. Shelby rejects his wife’s financial suggestions and suggests that Chloe accept separation from Tom.
- Mrs. Shelby defends the couple’s marriage and offers to earn money by teaching music.
- Chloe proposes working for a Louisville confectioner while Sally takes over her duties at home.
- Mrs. Shelby promises to reserve Chloe’s wages for Tom and seeks her husband’s approval for the arrangement.
- Chloe prepares to travel with Sam the next morning, and George agrees to write Tom the news.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Mrs. Shelby places keeping her promise above social objections to paid teaching. Her response exposes the conflict between family status and responsibility toward Tom and Chloe.
Quick check
What does Chloe propose doing to help buy Tom back?
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