How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
A profound terror had taken possession of [Roxy]. Her child could grow up and be sold down the river! The thought crazed her with horror. (3.1)
Sure, we know that slavery was physically and mentally grueling. But the prospect of being separated from loved ones made it an emotional misery as well.
Quote #5
[Roxy] was merely his chattel now, his convenience, his dog, his cringing and helpless slave, the humble and unresisting victim of his capricious temper and vicious nature. (4.21)
Don't expect a Mother's Day card when May rolls around, Roxy. The repetition of the possessive pronoun "his" drives home the idea that, as his slave, Roxy is without question one of Tom's belongings.
Quote #6
Tom's mother entered now, closing the door behind her, and approached her son with all the wheedling and supplicating servilities that fear and interest can impart to the words and attitudes of the born slave. (8.38)
It'd be a mistake to think that slaves were utterly powerless victims. Just look at how foxy Roxy craftily uses her slave role to her advantage by fawning and sucking up to Tom in order to get him to give her what she wants.