* Self-Sacrifice and Forgiveness: Uncle Tom endures unimaginable suffering and cruelty at the hands of his slaveholders, yet he remains consistently forgiving and selfless. He accepts his fate with quiet dignity, offering his own suffering to alleviate the pain of others, mirroring Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
* Humility and Gentleness: Tom is portrayed as a humble, peaceful, and gentle soul. He is described as having a "sweet, patient look," and his calm demeanor in the face of adversity reflects the teachings of Christ.
* Spiritual Strength and Faith: Tom's deep faith in God is a central element of his character. He draws strength and comfort from his religious beliefs, even in the darkest moments of his life. This unwavering faith echoes Christ's own unwavering commitment to his divine purpose.
* Love and Compassion: Uncle Tom shows love and compassion for everyone, even those who mistreat him. He embodies the Christian principle of loving your enemies and turning the other cheek, extending forgiveness to his oppressors.
* Endurance and Martyrdom: Like Christ, Uncle Tom is ultimately killed by those who oppose him. His death is presented as a sacrifice, a testament to his unwavering principles and the enduring power of faith.
Stowe explicitly draws parallels between Tom and Christ. She uses language and imagery that directly link the two figures, emphasizing Tom's suffering and redemption.
However, it's important to note that the portrayal of Uncle Tom has been criticized for its passive and submissive nature, which perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Black people. While the novel's aim was to expose the horrors of slavery and awaken a sense of moral outrage, its representation of Uncle Tom as the "ideal" slave has been seen as perpetuating a distorted and dangerous image of Black people.