CHAPTER SUMMARY AND NOTES

CHAPTER 8

Summary

After witnessing Eliza's escape, Haley returns to the tavern cursing. His old associate Tom Loker and his companion Marks also happen to enter at the same time. The three of them start drinking and Haley tells them his woes. Both Haley and Marks are of the opinion that slave women parted from their children always give trouble anyway. Loker claims he has no trouble with them because he subdues them with his fists. But Haley denounces Loker as too violent; he tells him slaves are more profitable if they are managed properly. Haley contracts Loker and Marks to track down Eliza and her boy. They plan to return Harry to Haley, and sell Eliza for extra money.

In the meantime, Sam and Andy reach home in a jubilant mood. Mrs. Shelby is pleased that Eliza has eluded Haley's clutches. Sam, who is in his element, entertains all the slaves with his dramatic story. Aunt Chloe ends the ordeal by sending him to bed.

Notes

The readers are introduced to two more villainous representatives of slavery in the characters of Loker and Marks. Loker was mentioned once before, in the first chapter, as a trader of particularly fierce repute. He has the appearance of a bulldog and is equally brutish. His companion Marks, on the other hand, is short, slender, and mousy man. The descriptions are repulsive, at once provoking the antipathy of the reader.

Both Haley and Marks are of the opinion that separating slave children from their parents causes problems. Neither understands the attachment slave mothers have for their children, even if they are deformed or blind. By implication, those feelings are reserved for white women. Loker, in his crude and brutish manner, states he beats women up for making a fuss. Haley feigns a conscience, claiming he never uses brute force. However, his pretence of kindness or principle is undercut when he further says he never uses force because he does not want to damage his "articles". Stowe uses an ironic tone when she refers to the slave traders as "our three worthies" in the narration.

Another important fact revealed is that Loker and Marks form an efficient, ruthless partnership. Loker uses brute force whenever necessary while Marks is the planner, manager, and the one to get them out of trouble with his smooth talking ways. He is the one to immediately perceive Eliza's potential in the market. He does not hesitate to speculate on her selling potential, though he is not the owner or an authorized dealer.

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