Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Chapter 33 summary
Chapter 33 of 45 · Volume 2 · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 33, Tom helps the exhausted Lucy meet her cotton quota, while Cassy supports him and warns that compassion brings danger on Legree’s plantation. When Legree orders him to whip Lucy, Tom refuses despite repeated blows and denies that his master owns his soul, prompting orders for a severe beating.
What happens
- Legree values Tom’s work but plans to crush his compassion so he can serve as a driver.
- Cassy joins the field workers, who mock her, and picks cotton with remarkable speed.
- Tom gives cotton to the suffering Lucy despite Sambo’s violence, and Cassy replenishes Tom’s basket.
- Cassy threatens Sambo when he challenges her, making him retreat.
- Legree falsely declares Lucy’s basket underweight and orders Tom to whip her.
- Tom refuses and asserts his spiritual freedom; Legree orders Sambo and Quimbo to drag him away for punishment.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, 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
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
In this chapter
What to notice
Tom draws a limit to Legree’s ownership even while enduring physical violence. His faith supports resistance rather than obedience to cruelty.
Quick check
Why does Tom refuse Legree’s order to whip Lucy?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, 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
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
