The inspiration for Uncle Tom’s Cabin was the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 that made aiding or assisting runaway slaves a crime in free states. As a result of the Fugitive Slave Act not only were former slaves sold back into slavery but also free blacks that were never slaves to begin with. Harriet Beecher Stowe first published Uncle Tom’s Cabin in 1852 as a response to the Act. The novel is an anti-slavery argument which relies on racial stereotypes and ethos to convince the Christian audience that slavery is a sin. This novel fed debates spreading about slavery abolition and intensified the sectional conflict that led to the Civil War. Her novel changed how Americans viewed slavery, where people were treated as property and not actual persons. The Revolutionary War was fought for freedom from Britain and the Declaration of Independence says that “all men are created equal”. The novel calls on the Americans to confront race relations and demands the people to deliver on the promise of freedom and equality FOR ALL. Uncle Tom’s Cabin continues to be a classic anti-slavery novel in literature and history that provokes debate about race and stereotypes.
Comment #4 -Good analysis Natalie! We learned about the Fugitive Slave Act in APUSH, it was definitely important! Of course, this was the obvious point of the book, an abolition movement. However, I believe there are several other So whats? that are prevalent in this novel. For example, the importance of religion. Although not everyone believes in God, Stowe makes great connections about religion and slavery, and shows that even reading parts of the Bible and do great justice for one's spiritual happiness (like Uncle Tom or Eva). No one can argue, though, that the sole purpose of this book was in response to the growing slave population, so that is spot on Natalie!
Good point, Harper! There are so many "so whats?" that can be discussed. One important one that stood out to me is the connection between women's rights and slavery that is formed throughout the novel. This connection is presented through the idea of the moral power of women that Stowe advocates. There are many strong women characters in the novel, starting in the beginning with Mrs. Shelby. Mrs. Shelby is a strong woman who believes her and her husband must care for the souls of each of their slaves.
In hopes of keeping his son safe from the evils of the Jewish Concentration Camp, Guido Oreface depicts the Holocaust as a game in Life is Beautiful. Similarly, in Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield admires the innocence of his younger sister Phoebe, working to keep her young for as long as possible. In Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, Evangeline's purity and angelic presence is also highlighted. Eva, “the beautiful Eva” (262), influences her parents' views on slavery positively, and gives Tom and other slaves hope through hardships. In order for one to be a true Christian, they must be against slavery. Evangeline in Greek means "good news," which also means "Gospel." Although the majority of individuals in Uncle Tom's Cabin, are proslavery, Stowe enhances that Evangeline is a symbol of faith and possible hope to come.
I totally agree Sofia! It is also important that Eva is a child because she symbolizes the next generation of Americans. Stowe uses Evangeline as a model for how African Americans should be treated, like any other person, and the fact that she is a child demonstrates that it is not so hard to do and that some people cannot do something that even a child can do.
Reply #7 Sofia, great funds of knowledge! Your incorporation of Christianity also encompasses one of the most prominent topics in the novel. Michelle, your analysis of Eva is true; she is the ideal image of a child or any person during this time period. To put these together, Eva talks about Christianity and how the people must treat others fairly and equally.
So what? #5 Why did Stowe write this novel? What inspired her to compose a piece of literature that, at one point in history, was controversial? I think Stowe wrote this novel because she wanted the citizens who never faced slavery to see its difficulties and the reality of it all. She wanted bystanders to put their feet in the shoes of slaves, and to understand that what some of their fellow neighbors are doing to innocent African Americans who had no choice or say in their current situations. Stowe writes that this “is one of the bitterest appointments” (480) during this time period, and that this treatment is unjust. She wants to inform the audience of the inhumane actions, and the popularity of the novel exemplifies her impact.
I absolutely agree, Kat! Many individuals during this period overlooked slavery, whereas abolitionists who publicly spoke against it, were defined as extremists. Stowe's novel had gothic elements to it, too, as she warned slaveowners that they would soon have to "answer to God for such cruelty" (461), which evoked not only pity, but fear, too. She called out larger societal problems of her generation, which called for action. Her novel evoked the Civil War, which led to the Reconstruction Era, which would later solve certain problems of slavery; proving her novel to be effective.
Comment #8 Yes, I agree Sofia! However, I think that there are many other So Whats? besides just to call out slave owners and vocalize her support for abolition. An important part was that this book reached a huge expanse, hugely impacting European views of America. Once Europe saw that the US still had a brutal slave system in place, while Europe had abolished slavery decades ago, it deterred European rulers from supporting the South. The South exported lots of cotton, which was an extremely valuable resource, to Europe, so Southern production was a cornerstone of the European economy; however, after reading Uncle Tom's Cabin, most European merchants and rulers could not support the South, which was helpful for the Union in the Civil War.
So What #3 Harriet Beecher Stowe inputs the chapters concerning Henrique and Alfred’s visit and Eva’s declining health to highlight the fact that children are the future of society and their education and upbringing will effect slavery’s future. When Henrique beats his slave Dodo, Eva claims that Henrique, “frightens him into deceiving, if [he treats] him so,” (389). The two characters serve as a metaphor for the Northern and Southern views of slavery and for the southern slave owners that treat their slaves as “family” and those that treat them as animals. Stowe wants the audience to understand the difference and to persuade her readers to believe that slavery is immoral and should be abolished.
So What #4 -Parents are truly some of the best people in the world. Your mother not only gives birth to you, but provides and cares for you until the day that she dies. This un-dying love (hehe) is unbreakable, and nothing a daughter or son could do would ever be able to break it. When Eva and Topsy discuss the topic of love, is becomes clear how important love is. Eva declares, “O, Topsy, poor child, I love you!” (409), and immediately, Topsy’s horrid behavior changes, all because someone loves her. In this chapter, and throughout the book, Stowe emphasizes the important of love. The so what? in this section is that love truly is a key asset in life, and vital to living a happy life.
The inspiration for Uncle Tom’s Cabin was the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 that made aiding or assisting runaway slaves a crime in free states. As a result of the Fugitive Slave Act not only were former slaves sold back into slavery but also free blacks that were never slaves to begin with. Harriet Beecher Stowe first published Uncle Tom’s Cabin in 1852 as a response to the Act. The novel is an anti-slavery argument which relies on racial stereotypes and ethos to convince the Christian audience that slavery is a sin. This novel fed debates spreading about slavery abolition and intensified the sectional conflict that led to the Civil War. Her novel changed how Americans viewed slavery, where people were treated as property and not actual persons. The Revolutionary War was fought for freedom from Britain and the Declaration of Independence says that “all men are created equal”. The novel calls on the Americans to confront race relations and demands the people to deliver on the promise of freedom and equality FOR ALL. Uncle Tom’s Cabin continues to be a classic anti-slavery novel in literature and history that provokes debate about race and stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteComment #4
Delete-Good analysis Natalie! We learned about the Fugitive Slave Act in APUSH, it was definitely important! Of course, this was the obvious point of the book, an abolition movement. However, I believe there are several other So whats? that are prevalent in this novel. For example, the importance of religion. Although not everyone believes in God, Stowe makes great connections about religion and slavery, and shows that even reading parts of the Bible and do great justice for one's spiritual happiness (like Uncle Tom or Eva). No one can argue, though, that the sole purpose of this book was in response to the growing slave population, so that is spot on Natalie!
Comment #9
DeleteGood point, Harper! There are so many "so whats?" that can be discussed. One important one that stood out to me is the connection between women's rights and slavery that is formed throughout the novel. This connection is presented through the idea of the moral power of women that Stowe advocates. There are many strong women characters in the novel, starting in the beginning with Mrs. Shelby. Mrs. Shelby is a strong woman who believes her and her husband must care for the souls of each of their slaves.
So What? #2 (chp. 15-22)
ReplyDeleteIn hopes of keeping his son safe from the evils of the Jewish Concentration Camp, Guido Oreface depicts the Holocaust as a game in Life is Beautiful. Similarly, in Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield admires the innocence of his younger sister Phoebe, working to keep her young for as long as possible. In Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, Evangeline's purity and angelic presence is also highlighted. Eva, “the beautiful Eva” (262), influences her parents' views on slavery positively, and gives Tom and other slaves hope through hardships. In order for one to be a true Christian, they must be against slavery. Evangeline in Greek means "good news," which also means "Gospel." Although the majority of individuals in Uncle Tom's Cabin, are proslavery, Stowe enhances that Evangeline is a symbol of faith and possible hope to come.
I totally agree Sofia! It is also important that Eva is a child because she symbolizes the next generation of Americans. Stowe uses Evangeline as a model for how African Americans should be treated, like any other person, and the fact that she is a child demonstrates that it is not so hard to do and that some people cannot do something that even a child can do.
DeleteReply #7
DeleteSofia, great funds of knowledge! Your incorporation of Christianity also encompasses one of the most prominent topics in the novel. Michelle, your analysis of Eva is true; she is the ideal image of a child or any person during this time period. To put these together, Eva talks about Christianity and how the people must treat others fairly and equally.
So what? #5
ReplyDeleteWhy did Stowe write this novel? What inspired her to compose a piece of literature that, at one point in history, was controversial? I think Stowe wrote this novel because she wanted the citizens who never faced slavery to see its difficulties and the reality of it all. She wanted bystanders to put their feet in the shoes of slaves, and to understand that what some of their fellow neighbors are doing to innocent African Americans who had no choice or say in their current situations. Stowe writes that this “is one of the bitterest appointments” (480) during this time period, and that this treatment is unjust. She wants to inform the audience of the inhumane actions, and the popularity of the novel exemplifies her impact.
I absolutely agree, Kat! Many individuals during this period overlooked slavery, whereas abolitionists who publicly spoke against it, were defined as extremists. Stowe's novel had gothic elements to it, too, as she warned slaveowners that they would soon have to "answer to God for such cruelty" (461), which evoked not only pity, but fear, too. She called out larger societal problems of her generation, which called for action. Her novel evoked the Civil War, which led to the Reconstruction Era, which would later solve certain problems of slavery; proving her novel to be effective.
DeleteComment #8
DeleteYes, I agree Sofia! However, I think that there are many other So Whats? besides just to call out slave owners and vocalize her support for abolition. An important part was that this book reached a huge expanse, hugely impacting European views of America. Once Europe saw that the US still had a brutal slave system in place, while Europe had abolished slavery decades ago, it deterred European rulers from supporting the South. The South exported lots of cotton, which was an extremely valuable resource, to Europe, so Southern production was a cornerstone of the European economy; however, after reading Uncle Tom's Cabin, most European merchants and rulers could not support the South, which was helpful for the Union in the Civil War.
So What #3
ReplyDeleteHarriet Beecher Stowe inputs the chapters concerning Henrique and Alfred’s visit and Eva’s declining health to highlight the fact that children are the future of society and their education and upbringing will effect slavery’s future. When Henrique beats his slave Dodo, Eva claims that Henrique, “frightens him into deceiving, if [he treats] him so,” (389). The two characters serve as a metaphor for the Northern and Southern views of slavery and for the southern slave owners that treat their slaves as “family” and those that treat them as animals. Stowe wants the audience to understand the difference and to persuade her readers to believe that slavery is immoral and should be abolished.
So What #4
ReplyDelete-Parents are truly some of the best people in the world. Your mother not only gives birth to you, but provides and cares for you until the day that she dies. This un-dying love (hehe) is unbreakable, and nothing a daughter or son could do would ever be able to break it. When Eva and Topsy discuss the topic of love, is becomes clear how important love is. Eva declares, “O, Topsy, poor child, I love you!” (409), and immediately, Topsy’s horrid behavior changes, all because someone loves her. In this chapter, and throughout the book, Stowe emphasizes the important of love. The so what? in this section is that love truly is a key asset in life, and vital to living a happy life.