ACCESS SCHOLARSHIP Group - CDE discussion

After reading the summary, you must come to this post and discuss your opinions of the story... what part you liked, felt identified with, what you felt, what you didn't like, what impressions it caused you (positive and negative). After writing your impressions, you must comment on at least ONE OTHER PERSON's reflections; saying if you agree or don't agree with his/her impressions/ideas and WHY. I can't wait to read them, so, let the comments begin!

Well.. chapter 14 shows again the love that Tom has with other, he always demonstrated his good feelings, so there were some slaves not kind but for him not matter because he didn´t do anything by them, that is a good example for all people…I like it! Sometimes we find good people and also some people who don´t want to see the happiness of other, that is bad, but as Tom, we should help without thinking what we will receive, but to know that we did the good by other ..
I didn´t like when Legree treated bad Tom, and the other slaves, that made me feel sad because Tom is a good men, I think that time was really sad for them, they passed many difficult moments. Other part was when Legree said that he´s Tom´s church, I think he can´t change Tom´s personality and less his Love to God, this caused me a negative impression because is very difficult to change the beliefs of one person who is totally sure of his faith..however there are people who change his religion, political party, etc, but I think that depend of each person.

There is many things we can say about this chapter: we can see the beginning of Tom's nightmare on the boat, then the arrival to the plantation-swamp and the bad conditions of the slaves, how were the cotton fields in the south... and the mean people of that place without any God. I can't understand why Legree was so against religion, I didn't like his expression "I'm your church now" This the start of a hard time, that's for sure.
Tom is a good man who doesn't deserve this "life", he saw the angry expressions of the slaves, with that ambient how long will take to him to become one of those desperate people? I'm afraid of what might happen now, because sooner or later he can confront his master.

Rosana wrote: "Well.. chapter 14 shows again the love that Tom has with other, he always demonstrated his good feelings, so there were some slaves not kind but for him not matter because he didn´t do anything b..."
I agree with you, when we are totally sure it's hard to change our mind. But what about if that thing in which we believe is wrong? It's even harder, because our believing is part of our being. It's very usual to become fanatics of a reilgion, party, etc. and not accept other people's thinking. I thing this a very common situation here in our country, and in the world, through history, how many people died just because they thought differently? The intolerance it's a kind of slavery made of ignorance.
Maybe this may seem to have nothing to do with the story, but remember, the black people became slaves because of the intolerance, the arrogance and the ignorance of the people of that time, a thing that should never happen again.

Well, I'm very sad with the situation of Tom, he doesn't deserves pass for that, he's a extraordinary man, and he show, a lot of things for us, we should to try be more grateful with our life, thinking more in the situation of Tom happen, he want very much the Freedom and he does all for be free. We have all in comparison of him, and we maybe worry with stupid things, and we don’t think in the true importance of the life. 'The Family', Tom always gave a lot for his family, and now he doesn't has the freedom, When Tom's going to be free? He doesn't lose the hope. I think the dream of Tom will be one special thing for him, and that going to help him for he try to obtain his freedom :)

The beginning of this chapter shows how -for Tom- all the things were faded, even the moon and stars, I think in some moments of our lives, at least for minute we lose all hope, it is that moment when we think only in the dark side, and do whatever not to feel that sentiment, the worst moment of our day. Obviously, having chains being a human person makes you feel terrible; I'm still wondering how they could be treated worse than animal.
It isn't the first time when a good one has to hide things which would never cause damage while the bad one does everything to dam directly the other.
I really don't like Legree, he's intolerable I'm sorry for the each one who has to stand this kind of person. I might be worried for Emmeline, I see terrible her situation, that "you go in with me" sounds really bad.
It's is incredible how we act when we were bad-treated, we just think in survive with heart or feelings, breathing is enough; I'll repeat it: I admire Tom, he remain kind as he was during the Shelby's times. He didn't wait for another to be kind, that's positive.
The Bible has many motivational phrases, it's not just word as many believe, they're more than that.

Rosana wrote: "Well.. chapter 14 shows again the love that Tom has with other, he always demonstrated his good feelings, so there were some slaves not kind but for him not matter because he didn´t do anything b..."
I agree with you in this: "Sometimes we find good people and also some people who don´t want to see the happiness of other, that is bad, but as Tom, we should help without thinking what we will receive"

Yes, there are always people who prefer to see the negative side and defects of the others, judging for the appearance and ignoring the happy and important side. You have all the reason, we should think in the benefits of helping the persons, the spiritual benefits and not the material gifts.

Rebecca wrote: "Rosana wrote: "Well.. chapter 14 shows again the love that Tom has with other, he always demonstrated his good feelings, so there were some slaves not kind but for him not matter because he didn´..."

Deep, Rebecca: The intolerance it's a kind of slavery made of ignorance.

I agree with it, I think slavery is something that we create to destroy ourselves, made to corrupt the pure souls.

Chapter 14, showed many feelings, such as sad, to lose all hope, try to desist,and the help too, these was many feelings that we can found, and I think the best was the help, because Tom help other, that in that case was the woman who work a lot, and He think if she doesn't work a lot is possible she will be punished, so, He help her, we can see how Tom are interested in other persons, He doesn't pay attention, if he would be punished or something like that, He only think in how do the best, sometimes we have to do something like that, because the life is not only in our professional success, we have to think how do the best for other persons, for our personal satisfaction, and for feeling better.
Now Legree's attitude, is the worst attitude that one man can be, He think that He is the best in the world, who has reason in all things, who is perfect, but that's wrong, because nobody is perfect, I mean, He is a normal man, who can be wrong, I can't imagine what would be happen with many slaves, and I think Tom has to wait a little more, and He has to be more patient, I hope this ends soon, the suffering of slaves and also of Tom.

"Legree said that he´s Tom´s church, I think he can´t change Tom´s personality and less his Love to God, this caused me a negative impression because is very difficult to change the beliefs of one person who is totally sure of his faith..."
Yes Rosana, I agree with you, because Tom believe in God a lot, so, He is convinced that this is the best way, and whe you believe in something, is difficult to other change your thinking, only if you are without faith, that can make you doubt in what you believe.

Rebecca wrote: "I can't understand why Legree was so against religion, I didn't like his expression "I'm your church now" This the start of a hard time, that's for sure. "
Yes Rebecca, you're so right, I don't understand too, but, we have to know what about his past, I think, His parent's if He had, don't taught to him, how would be a good man day to day, or if they taught to him, with the time he was losing the habit.

"We should to try be more grateful with our life, thinking more in the situation of Tom happen, he want very much the Freedom and he does all for be free" That's right Cristina, good point, sometimes we are so ungrateful with our life, and Tom, who are so far of his family, who are mistreated by Legree, don't desist, and don't forget God, in all moment He ask to God to help him, and that's to recognize.

Tom´s New Master was Simon Legree who has hardened his heart against all and believes that only with an iron fist and a sharp whip can he keep his slaves in line.
This chapter was a little summary about Mr. Simon Legree, demonstrated us how he was a cruel man with his slaves and how he maltreated them as way as posible. He had a dreadful personality, besides humiliate, he taunt of slaves.
The classmates who commented before already have said each one a little that I wanted to express. As Karen I liked when Tom helped two women, he had really a great heart., too as Rocío I really don´t like Legree, the reasons I said in the previous paragraph, and I might be worried for Emmeline also, she was completly without self defense in Legree hands.

"I think in some moments of our lives, at least for minute we lose all hope, it is that moment when we think only in the dark side, and do whatever not to feel that sentiment, the worst moment of our day.". I agree with you Rocio , those moments of our life are very difficult but are parts of it, we know that not all in our life is color pink, I think those are proof for us, each one is for check how strong we are and how we react when we have problems, so for that is very important pray to God , like Tom, the Lord is the only who can give us the strength , also the support of the family in those moments is very important too.

“I admired her, because she did the best, if she was a bad woman I can´t imagine what would happen with many slaves”, yes Karen you have the reason, poor slaves, I think God is kind and show us that in bad moments there is a light of hope and love, Tom knew that not all people were bad and this woman is the example for him…

Chapter 14, for me was sad, because Tom is treating badly again, now, with his new master Legree is not a good man, he`s a bad man that only think in himself, Legree sold all Tom`s things without nothing important to him. Tom and the other slaves were forced to use one pair of clothes for one year!, that`s very bad and inhuman! They were treated like and animal, forced to work hard, and for that kind of life that the slave had many of them weren`t kind people, so I didn`t like that part.
I don`t know what Tom has, he`s always helping, he`s always with a good humor without important what he`s passing for, I think that is would be very difficult to be in the way like he is in a situation like that, but he`s supporting all the bad things.
The hope and the character of TOM is what I most like of this story.

Ana wrote:
Well, I'm very sad with the situation of Tom, he doesn't deserves pass for that, he's a extraordinary man, and he show, a lot of things for us’’
I agree with her, Tom didn`t do nothing bad, in all the story never said that he did something bad, so I can`t understand how he`s passing by all those bad things, he has bad masters, he`s treating bad, he couldn`t get his freedom! He has some time that he doesn't see his family, I think he really misses his family, his friends, his house….
I think that Tom doesn’t deserves pass for this situation, he`s a excellent man, but his conviction was born as a slave or as a black man…
Tom demonstrated that he`s better than some of the white man, in his way of working, and in his unique heart.

I agree with Rosana in this phrase "we should help without thinking what we will receive" I love it, I really felt identified with that thought; because if we can help, why we don´t do that?

Hilda wrote:
Tom´s New Master was Simon Legree who has hardened his heart against all and believes that only with an iron fist and a sharp whip can he keep his slaves in line.’’
That`s true Hilda, Tom`s new master in a kind of people that MAYBE doesn`t believe in God, only act with violent, mercilessly, only think that can keep his slaves in line hitting and treating bad them, so I THINK that some day that kind of people would pass the same as they do to defenseless people.

karen mentioned Cassy in her comment, but who was she?
She didn't appeared yet in this chapter :)

I agree with all girls which said about the action of Legree, I hate that!, He can't do that, He bought Tom right? He doesn't bought Tom's religion. I think in Paraguay and in many countries, the people want to change the religion of the other people, and that is stupid, we're free for choose the own religion, but, no matter the religion, the culture or the race, we're the same from Lord eyes.

This chapter is good, but at the same time is sad because Tom had no chance of being free. I didn’t like how Mr. Legree treated Tom, but that was obvious, as Mr. Legree was not a good person, he wanted Tom to stop being a good and gentle person with others.
On the other hand I think very good and noble on the part of Tom to help the girl, he always cares about the others and that's really admirable. About the dream with Eva, I think that was an exciting part because in my opinion if Tom believes in God, everything will be ok. He does not have to worry about the bad things that will happen and to don’t lost the faith and the hope.

Rosana wrote: "Well.. chapter 14 shows again the love that Tom has with other, he always demonstrated his good feelings, so there were some slaves not kind but for him not matter because he didn´t do anything b..."

I agree with her, Tom for more that people are not good with him , he gives all of himself and he helps others without asking anything in return because he knows that is right.

I feel this chapter is very sad because when I feel I don't have output ,I stay very bad and I think Tom feel this maners too. But Tom belongs to the church and I think he have force when you have god in you heart you have force.The new Tom master said who try escape te dog would eat therefore ''carefulf'' and in finaly part Tom sleep and dreams Eva reading for he the bible and just what he need.

Well I think this chapter shows the cruelty, the misery and de sadness from beggining to to end, Tom is a kind and strong man but he realizes that is not going to be easy when he was already in the boat and Legree reminds me to hitler in the part that he said that he is churh or god now its like his power made him think that he is like a god and also in the parte that Tom arrrives to he cabins they are like in a concentration camp, their dignity is been taken by a man that has no heart and they don't even know who they can blame, so hard days are coming for Tom but in the end a little shine of hope comes with the image of Eva

Yes, you have reason Hilda, haha, I don't pay attention so much, I'm going to delete that part, thanks a lot! :)

This chapter was exellent! I liked very much, because is full of descriptions of situation, that can be reality, even are reality in many parts of the world yet.. I love when I can to imagine the scene really well, and this chapter showed different ways of abuse, differents manners of act with the slaves, describe very well the differents emotions, thoughts and feelings of the slaves that live every day like TRUE SLAVES :s
For me is exellent the way of description of the writer in this chaper, and more that all.. I loved the end! First i love the way of Tom that always which he is tired and discouraged, he have the capacity of seek God in spite of all.. the end of this chapter showed once more, that Tom had his forces only in GOD :')
I really loved this end “When you pass through water, I will be with you, and the rivers they will not overflow you; when you walk through fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flame light up on you; for I am the Lord your God.” For me more that all, this chapter is a entire teaching of life

I really am impressed on Tom's patience , he showed every time, he's obedient to his Mr, he learned from the bible. I see that until today there are Masters who don't show enough respect to employers. Mr Legree's character makes me remember those people who want to have everything like they think. A bad habit taken during his life, maybe he grew up so.
They are living in a cruel way. They can't do anything they want, I think we need to compare with our life , what we do. Slaves wanted freedom. We have it, but don't use it well, because of that the world is getting worse. People wanting to commit suicide because ''don't find another reason to live'' and others as Tom, still living, hoping to be in liberty.
I trust a lot on Tom, he is a kind of person you don't find everywhere.
I noticed that small and humble things makes you feel better as Tom helped the women who were unknown.
Tom has an angel who takes care of him. I am sure he will find happiness but I don't know when!

“ But remember, the black people became slaves because of the intolerance, the arrogance and the ignorance of the people of that time, a thing that should never happen again” Yes Rebecca you said a good point to analyze , but I think unfortunately until now there are many people who have the same thinking and don´t want to change, I wonder is for badness or ignorance? And I hope the slavery not happen more because there are many people who are suffer, and is very sad..

Yes, I agree with everybody her who hate also the attitude, the terrible treat to his slaves and his horrible personality.. LEGREE :$
Is really like if his heart is full of hate, hate and more hate, even his name isn't nice haha
I agree also with Hilda, she wrote: "He had a dreadful personality, besides humiliate, he taunt of slaves."
Great point Hilda, he never will content with the humiliating treatment that he given to them, for he always was needed TAUNT to his slaves..
With a horrible heart and more horrible personality, is like if he never known a minimun of love :(

I agree with Juana, it is true what she said, it's amazing the patience of Tom and those slaves who went with him so much injustice, I feel so sorry that in at that time and sitution, someone to take the lead and help the slaves to defend and not allow such a vile form of treatment of slaves, it is unbearable as they are treated . I admire the patience and the faith of Tom reading the Bible, and showing that hard work and injustice ends in GOD, and unfortunately the other slaves did not know there is a merciful GOD ,

I think this chapter was very sad, also it was very short to show the feeling that Tom felt. I don't like Legree's thinking, because He can't say that he is a church or compared to the level of religion. He is a bad man and couldn't feel superior of slaves just because he is a BAD man !

Also in this chapter we can see the Tom's strength when he accept his master orders and just did all that Legree want.

I admire when Tom help the women tired with a kind form and It was funny the reaction of the women, because they were surprised, so, "an expression of womanly kindness came over their hard faces" - (I loved this phrase).

For me, it was very strange the Tom's dream, first because Eva was there and also because she read one verse of the Bible that said "Lord God is with you". I believe it, but why Eva was there, too ?

I wanted to know anxiously the end :D

Rossana wrote: "Well.. chapter 14 shows again the love that Tom has with other, he always demonstrated his good feelings, so there were some slaves not kind but for him not matter because he didn´t do anything by them, that is a good example for all people."

I like your opinion. I began to admire very much this man, because even with difficulties he allways was ok and trust in God and never lose control.

Rebecca wrote: I can't understand why Legree was so against religion, I didn't like his expression "I'm your church now".

I agree with you... I didn't like his expression, too.
I mean, Who is he for saying this? just A MAN who believe that is superior of black people. He didn't have a real and good reason to be better than them and less of Tom and his humanity.

Rocio wrote: He didn't wait for another to be kind, that's positive.
The Bible has many motivational phrases, it's not just word as many believe, they're more than that.

I like your last words in your comment. I think that if we wait for the people give the first step for to be kind with each other, we gonna lose all relationships, we must to give without wait.
And I agree so much with the last lines of the comment, The Bible's words could be more than we can imagine.

Karen wrote: Now Legree's attitude, is the worst attitude that one man can be, He think that He is the best in the world, who has reason in all things, who is perfect, but that's wrong, because nobody is perfect.

Just I can say that I gonna repeat that I said on the Rebecca's comment: This and noone man or woman can be good person if doesn't have humanity, humility and heart.

Hilda wrote:This chapter was a little summary about Mr. Simon Legree, demonstrated us how he was a cruel man with his slaves and how he maltreated them as way as posible. He had a dreadful personality, besides humiliate, he taunt of slaves."

One of the comment that said the same. I like your opinion Hilda, it is very true. This chapter shows one of the violent parts.

Camila wrote:I think that is would be very difficult to be in the way like he is in a situation like that, but he`s supporting all the bad things.
The hope and the character of TOM is what I most like of this story.

I agree with you. I think that Tom, Eva, Mrs Shelvy and Eliza were the people who show us many kind of good personalities, good actions and some big hearts!

Chapter 14, I LIKED, SUDDENLY SHOW OUT , THE DIFERENT SITUATION WHO passed by THE SLAVE, BUT I don't like what Legree'S DOES WITH Tom, TAKE OFF THE CHAIN And pulled from his neck, that's terrible situation, Tom isn't an animal, to legree do this with him. totally Legree lose the respect for tom human condition, he act with him , how an animal, poor TOM HAS TO SUPPORT ALL IS VERY DIFICULT , BUT HE HAS HIS Weapon, he appreciate very much, his bible,it's very worst the brutality system was used with the slaves, they received the directions starting hard work , first very early with a person hitting them , he check they make sure and do their works.and Tom characterize by the generosity, with other people, imagine you tired, you suffer very much, you lose your clothes, support old, maybe he can goes to bed, and asleep there, but, he helped the tired woman to prepare their food , CERTAINLY if you get the opportunity for Lord, help you , and he can present in your life, you can received, consolate for him, when you lose all the hope, the faith, do you think , all it's wrong in your life, desolate, unhappy, it's normal have problem, difficult trying to do or react better, in my opinion, many people, have problem don't accept the reality, they considered , sure they are self-sufficient, they don't need anyone, he forget he need remember you not alone all the time the Lord your God is with you , care you , protect you , in this form you learn , you believe, how is depht of you relation with him, truely and , in the worst moment he's present trying yo help you . he's never goes anywhere , he's a responsable father, and that is a form how tom stand up his hurry and receive the force necesary to continue

Rebecca wrote: I can't understand why Legree was so against religion, I didn't like his expression "I'm your church now".
I agree with you, because, legree ALLEGEDLY or maYbe he considered he's vey intelligent to used, the bible phrases in his convenience, to PUT THROUGH tom do , what he wants, but maybe in moral condition you might respect, the bible saint phrases , this is no for play with and used the convenience phrases for you , it's for to learn LORD DESIGNS , wants,FOR THIS BOOK, and it's most UPDATED book, to read considered important for your life, and put in your library. and read,

Rosana wrote: But remember, the black people became slaves because of the intolerance, the arrogance and the ignorance of the people of that time, a thing that should never happen again” Yes Rebecca you said a good point to analyze.
I LIKED, IT'S A INTERESTING POINT OF VIEW, IN A NEW PERSPECTIVE, TO TAKE A TIME AND ANALYZE, NO ACT, AND REACT ONLY FOR react , think very well, if you have posibility choose the better option DON'T PAY ATTENTION what do you do, it's important recognize the people wrong having those negative attitude for the society. creating with the discrimintation new slaves, nowadays are present for this cause.

This chapter shows the cruelty of people who consider themselves superior to others or are superior to others, the power of superiority that has Legree leads to acting in bad way with Tom and he sends to do everything to Tom for show his power that make me remember all the people who are somehow superior and act in a bad way trying to belittle to others people for demonstrating their power, it is important for us to be not more than the others and don't lose our humble and abuse the other people because all person passed through a process to be superior and also the other people will pass through a process for be convert superior, we should not take advantage of the powers for evil things, we have to use the power for do the good, the time when Legree acts as a bad person I was sad about Tom and what is going to suffer while he is under legree's power, because as he said he is his God now, I really like when in tom's dream appears Eva and show to him the constant support she gives to him and when she read the part of the Bible say that it doesn't matter if the situation is terrible because God always will be with him, and Tom know now that he has an angel who is going to be with him with great love and above all the problems always

I agree with Rosana, she said we should give without thinking what we will receive, because the time will do it. You´ll get for everything, whether good or bad. I agree with almost everyone, they talked about the bad moment Tom is passing, and he doesn't deserve it. So always good people has to pay for the wrong actions of others.
I also like the comment of Rosana. That problems are for check how strong we are, only a proof. It's so curious but you see people who don't believe in God, don't have problems. But I'm sure if you're hurt, God is the only one who can cure it. Camila said.. ''Tom demonstrated that he`s better than some of the white man, in his way of working, and in his unique heart.'' I think nobody is better than other, but he demonstrated he is good person, and he could earn a lot of things than Legree never would get it, as the love and the peace with himself.

This chapter once again is sad, practically Tom's sentenced to live as slave forever, and for more with a Master enough bad, I think that is worst everyone the Masters mentioned to now.
But Tom has his angel in heaven, this angel doesn´t him do desist his dream´s freedom, Eva doesn´t is in the earth but is in Tom´s heart to help him to be strong in his dreams and principally to doesn´t lose faith in God.

I agree with Juana in all that said, principally in the part "People wanting to commit suicide because ''don't find another reason to live'' and others as Tom, still living, hoping to be in liberty" is very true this phrase because for little things persons want suicide for example because her boyfriend left her or have finances problems, insignificant things comparing Tom´s situation that even hasn´t his freedom. We should be as Tom to live better.