Summary of "Uncle Tom's Cabin - Audiobook - Chapter 20"

Chapter 20 Summary of Uncle Tom’s Cabin

In this chapter, the story focuses on the arrival and introduction of Topsy, a mischievous and wild young Black girl purchased by St. Clare and entrusted to Miss Ophelia for education and care.

Introduction of Topsy

Topsy is vividly described as a “goblin-like” child—filthy, unruly, and possessing a mix of cunning and solemnity in her expression. St. Clare presents her with a playful attitude, encouraging her to sing and dance, much to Miss Ophelia’s horror and dismay.

Miss Ophelia’s Challenge

Miss Ophelia, a strict and conscientious New England woman, reluctantly accepts the challenge of “civilizing” Topsy despite her initial revulsion and the chaos the child causes in the household. Topsy’s behavior is wild and defiant:

She steals and lies.
Resists all attempts at discipline, including whipping, which she oddly claims to prefer since it’s what she’s used to.
Disrupts traditional education efforts, such as reading, sewing, and reciting the Catechism, by breaking needles, throwing thread away, and creating havoc.

Household Reactions

The household servants initially disdain Topsy but soon learn to avoid provoking her after mysterious accidents and ruined possessions follow any slight against her. Despite her rough exterior, Topsy shows moments of vulnerability, especially when Eva, the gentle and kind white child, offers her genuine kindness and sympathy—something completely foreign to Topsy’s experience.

Contrast Between Eva and Topsy

Eva’s innocence and goodness sharply contrast with Topsy’s rough upbringing, symbolizing the deep racial and social divides of the time.

Discussion on Discipline

St. Clare and Miss Ophelia discuss the difficulties of raising and disciplining children like Topsy, acknowledging the brutal cycle of cruelty and callousness that shapes such “spoiled” or “depraved” children.

St. Clare resolves never to use harsh physical punishment himself, fearing it would brutalize both owner and servant.
Miss Ophelia struggles with how to govern a child who seems only responsive to severe whipping.

Topsy’s Complex Character

Throughout the chapter, Topsy emerges as a complex figure:

A source of comic relief with her wild antics and grimaces.
A poignant symbol of the effects of slavery and neglect.
Despite mixed success in Miss Ophelia’s efforts to educate her, Topsy becomes a fixture in the household—admired, feared, and embraced by Eva, who represents hope and innocence.

Key Highlights

Topsy’s wild, goblin-like appearance and mischievous behavior.
Miss Ophelia’s horror and reluctant acceptance of her new “charge.”
Topsy’s stealing and lying episodes, including the humorous but tense incident with Miss Ophelia’s ribbon and Eva’s coral necklace.
The contrast between Eva’s kindness and Topsy’s hardened skepticism toward affection.
The discussion between St. Clare and Miss Ophelia about the challenges of disciplining children shaped by cruelty.
Topsy’s surprising quickness in learning to read and perform household tasks when she chooses.
The comic relief provided by Topsy’s antics and the servants’ superstitious fear of her.
The subtle social commentary on race, upbringing, and the legacy of slavery embodied in Topsy and Eva’s relationship.

Main Characters in the Chapter

Topsy: The mischievous Black child, central to the chapter.
Miss Ophelia: The strict, New England woman tasked with educating Topsy.
St. Clare (Augustine): The playful and kind master who bought Topsy.
Eva: The gentle, kind white child fascinated by Topsy.
Jane and Rosa: Servants in the household, initially disdainful of Topsy.
Dinah: Another servant, skeptical and critical of Topsy.

This chapter stands out for its vivid characterizations, the humor and pathos intertwined in Topsy’s story, and the exploration of the complexities of race, education, and morality in the antebellum South.