It was a feeling which he had seen before in his mother; but no chord within vibrated to it

It was a feeling which he had seen before in his mother; but no chord within vibrated to it

In Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin," the quote "It was a feeling which he had seen before in his mother; but no chord within vibrated to it" refers to the character of George Harris, a young slave who is struggling to reconcile his desire for freedom with his sense of duty to his family. This quote encapsulates the internal conflict that George experiences as he grapples with the conflicting emotions of love and duty.

George's mother, a strong and determined woman, has always been a source of inspiration for him. Her unwavering courage and resilience in the face of adversity have shaped George's own sense of self and his beliefs about freedom and justice. However, when George is faced with the opportunity to escape to freedom, he finds himself unable to fully embrace the same sense of determination and resolve that his mother embodies.

The phrase "no chord within vibrated to it" suggests that George is unable to connect with the same emotions that his mother feels. Despite his admiration for her strength and courage, George struggles to find the same sense of purpose and conviction within himself. He is torn between his desire for freedom and his sense of duty to his family, particularly his wife and child.

Throughout the novel, George grapples with the conflicting emotions of love and duty, as he tries to navigate the complex moral landscape of slavery. He is torn between his desire to escape to freedom and his sense of responsibility to his family, who rely on him for protection and support. Ultimately, George must find a way to reconcile these conflicting emotions and make a decision that will shape the course of his life.