Slavery - even with kind masters slaves continue to suffer as demonstrated
in Shelby's financial war when loyal Tom and beloved Harry were sold. Even
with the best of intentions slaves continued living degradedly by the
"whites". Back at the factory when George proved himself efficient and tried
to maximize productivity by inventing a machine to save labor and time, he
was "put down" and not even merely praised by his master. Tom, perhaps the
most worthy slave of all died an unrighteous death and his brutal murderer
could not even be tried for his crime.
Man vs. Woman - most of the women portrayed had a heart and showed emotions while men appeared more subtle and logical. Mrs. Shelby, and Eva both felt sympathy and affinity towards slaves. Mrs. Shelby respected her slave Eliza and felt just as hurt as Eliza when she found out about Harry being sold to alleviate financial problems. Eva realized that slaves too were humans and deserved just as much as "whites". She found her calling upon getting her father to buy Tom so she could try to make him happier. She stood up for other slaves around her and pleaded others to treat slaves better. On the other hand, most of the men portrayed did not appear to have very caring feelings. Haley, the tough slave wholesaler did not even think twice about his conniving money making slave business. When Shelby agreed to sell off Tom and Harry he concluded that money was more important than ethics. Back at the factory where George worked, just as he was envied and truly valued for his hard work, his cruel master decided to put him back in his place doing dirty work just to demoralize him and prevent himself from the jealousy he felt from his slave.
Man vs. Self - when Shelby seals the deal with Haley he faces himself with what the consequences will be, knowing that his decision will be a major disappointment to others. When George faces difficulty with his master, especially after his decision to remove George from the factory, George looks to himself and his faith for comfort and survival. Tom, after being sold off to unknown circumstances even though he had been promised his freedom, must find strength within himself to remain strong.
Man vs. Man - slaves had to battle their rights as man against their masters who granted them little freedom. Shelby's son who sought to free Tom before he found him dead was at ends with Legree, who killed him for no valid apparent reason. Shelby's son made Legree well aware of the fact that he could not possibly be tried for murder because no white man had personally witnessed the incident.
Black man vs. Society - society works against black man by implementing the slave fugitive act. This law prohibited escaped slaves from receiving any help escaping and surviving. Even with the immense suffering of slaves, society did nothing to stop it.
Man vs. Woman - most of the women portrayed had a heart and showed emotions while men appeared more subtle and logical. Mrs. Shelby, and Eva both felt sympathy and affinity towards slaves. Mrs. Shelby respected her slave Eliza and felt just as hurt as Eliza when she found out about Harry being sold to alleviate financial problems. Eva realized that slaves too were humans and deserved just as much as "whites". She found her calling upon getting her father to buy Tom so she could try to make him happier. She stood up for other slaves around her and pleaded others to treat slaves better. On the other hand, most of the men portrayed did not appear to have very caring feelings. Haley, the tough slave wholesaler did not even think twice about his conniving money making slave business. When Shelby agreed to sell off Tom and Harry he concluded that money was more important than ethics. Back at the factory where George worked, just as he was envied and truly valued for his hard work, his cruel master decided to put him back in his place doing dirty work just to demoralize him and prevent himself from the jealousy he felt from his slave.
Man vs. Self - when Shelby seals the deal with Haley he faces himself with what the consequences will be, knowing that his decision will be a major disappointment to others. When George faces difficulty with his master, especially after his decision to remove George from the factory, George looks to himself and his faith for comfort and survival. Tom, after being sold off to unknown circumstances even though he had been promised his freedom, must find strength within himself to remain strong.
Man vs. Man - slaves had to battle their rights as man against their masters who granted them little freedom. Shelby's son who sought to free Tom before he found him dead was at ends with Legree, who killed him for no valid apparent reason. Shelby's son made Legree well aware of the fact that he could not possibly be tried for murder because no white man had personally witnessed the incident.
Black man vs. Society - society works against black man by implementing the slave fugitive act. This law prohibited escaped slaves from receiving any help escaping and surviving. Even with the immense suffering of slaves, society did nothing to stop it.
