Harriet Stowe wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin, her aim was to transform race relations in the United States. The purpose of the novel was to bring about change that had already begun flowing throughout the country, though mainly in the North. In addition, the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 had been passed, which stated that all escaped slaves, when captured, were to be returned to their masters, putting all blacks, even those who were free, in danger. Stowe wanted to open people's eyes to the inhumane situation that slaves were put through, and the horrendous way they were both thought of and treated. “Treat ‘em like dogs, and you’ll have dogs’ work and dogs’ actions. Treat ‘em like men, and you’ll have men’s works” (117). In other words, regard African Africans, specifically those in slavery as human beings, who deserve their own independence, instead of working animals.
History has some truly dark times. Love how you mentioned the Fugitive Slave Act, because it was an incredibly momentous event that sparked a lot of northern rage and abolitionist ideas about slavery. Morals as well become an issue in people's lives as they wake up to the realities of slave life in all its sadness and hardships.
(Daria) I love the points made. In the time era prior to the civil war, the only true stable economy in the south was due to the slave trade. Just as the sell of takis is a major source of income in the vending machines!! As laura said Morals became a huge reason people started distancing themselves from slave trade
Great points guys! I would just like to add that I think that the reason Stowe used such vulgar, forceful language in her novel, was not only because that was mostly likely how slave traders spoke but also because with this type of language, readers would sympathize with the black characters.
(Marina Ch. 18-20) In chapters 18-20 Stowe made it very clear in her writing that the kind nature in which Augustine St. Clare ran his household was very unorthodox and troublesome. In response to all the criticism St. Clare stated that he was doing the “best”(180) he knew how to and that he honestly believed that at least one of his slaves was a “truthful and faithful” (181) person. This is one man’s opinion yet it shaped the way all his blacks saw society; they did not hate their lives as much as other slaves in the south at the time did. One person’s opinion can impact many lives. Similarly, in modern society, the opinion of a famous celebrity like Kim Kardashian can impact many lives. If she makes a statement about how unfair it is that America does not recognize the Armenian Genocide, her millions of fans all of a sudden start showing interest and/or contempt for the issue. This proves just how powerful one human’s opinion can be when they hold a position of leadership.
Marina, this is really great. I like how you connect Kim Kardashian to the novel. St. Clare, ran the household in an unorthodox and untraditional manner. In addition, I like how you noted that even though he received criticism for his untraditional ways he still treated the slaves respect. From this, his reputation among the black community improved.
Even in the modern day we live in, people are influenced so greatly on peer pressure. Half the reasons kids do drugs these days is because they cant say no. Both of oyu made good points in that Mr. Shelby did not adhere to social restrictions and he believed in kindness to all people.
(Laura Ch. 14-17) Harriet Beecher Stowe contains a vast emphasis on the church and Christian values and their importance to both slaves and slave owners. Though during the time period of the novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Tom is described as being a good negro because of his strong religious values along with Eliza who is very religious and thus has the reputation of being a good natured woman. The main prominence of religion in the novel is its affiliation to slaves who have come to adopt the religious views and values as both Tom, Eliza, and numerous other slaves had done. The main seen by which Stowe diametrically links Christian faith and kind slaves in the situation by which Tom Loker, a slave trader chasing after Eliza and her family among other slaves, falls from a ledge and rather than leaving him to die the runaway slaves help the man and bring him to a safe house for healing. The reasoning behind this rescue lies in the words Eliza and her husband, George say, ““Well do stop then”, Said Eliza, “and do something for the poor man; he’s groaning dreadfully.”” to this George replies, “”It would be no more Christian,” (Stowe 286). The two slaves take pity on the slave trader and choose to follows their Christian morals and help the man despite the fact that he tried to shoot and capture them. Stowe uses Christianity as a means of asserting kindness among slaves, for them to use as a guide in the hardships they face so brutally and frequently.
Laura, this is awesome. You really hit it on the nail! I like how you worded this post and your use of diction; It very much reflects your insightful thoughts. I really like the fact that you connected Tom's behavior and pious attitude with his religious values. I agree that the religion used throughout the novel is often in accordance with the slaves. I also liked the quote that you used. I believe it fits the topic perfectly.
(Marina Ch.21-31) Throughout these chapters there are several major events that occur, but one of the most notable ones is little Eva’s death. She represents perfection and freedom from sin throughout the novel considering she treats every one of her slaves with respect and kindness, and in addition she does not seem to believe in slavery at all. Eva appears like a Christ-figure spreading her “beauty” and “peace” (241) with all those around her. It is similar to the notion that every person finds their own little ray of sunshine; this sunshine is what inspires them to get up every morning and live life to the best of their ability.
I agree, Eva's death was a major turning point in the novel especially for Tom. As you said, Eva presents freedom and hope, and when she dies it seems to symbolize a loss of hope and freedom. Tom loses even more of his freedom once he is sold to Legree by his late Master's malign wife. Also, towards the end of the novel hope seems to be waning as Tom, multiple times, begins to lose faith.
(Kathryn Ch.32-End) Throughout these chapters, the meaning of the book becomes sentiment and empathy for slaves, but also hope for change. The brutal beating and then death of Tom strikes a hard cord in George Shelby, for which he devotes his life to abolishment. The author, as she writes it in her novel, wishes for others reading the novel, which is not far from reality, to realize that slavery is a plaque to the society and should be eradicated. Where Tom represents the more negative ending that urges action on the readers’ parts, the renting of Eliza and her lost family sends a thread of hope out to the audience. Through the happy ending of the family, Stowe exhibits to the readers that there can be, and will be change, and that in the end when all is said and done, it will be for the better.
Harriet Stowe wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin, her aim was to transform race relations in the United States. The purpose of the novel was to bring about change that had already begun flowing throughout the country, though mainly in the North. In addition, the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 had been passed, which stated that all escaped slaves, when captured, were to be returned to their masters, putting all blacks, even those who were free, in danger. Stowe wanted to open people's eyes to the inhumane situation that slaves were put through, and the horrendous way they were both thought of and treated. “Treat ‘em like dogs, and you’ll have dogs’ work and dogs’ actions. Treat ‘em like men, and you’ll have men’s works” (117). In other words, regard African Africans, specifically those in slavery as human beings, who deserve their own independence, instead of working animals.
ReplyDeleteHistory has some truly dark times. Love how you mentioned the Fugitive Slave Act, because it was an incredibly momentous event that sparked a lot of northern rage and abolitionist ideas about slavery. Morals as well become an issue in people's lives as they wake up to the realities of slave life in all its sadness and hardships.
Delete(Daria) I love the points made. In the time era prior to the civil war, the only true stable economy in the south was due to the slave trade. Just as the sell of takis is a major source of income in the vending machines!! As laura said Morals became a huge reason people started distancing themselves from slave trade
DeleteGreat points guys! I would just like to add that I think that the reason Stowe used such vulgar, forceful language in her novel, was not only because that was mostly likely how slave traders spoke but also because with this type of language, readers would sympathize with the black characters.
Delete(Marina Ch. 18-20)
ReplyDeleteIn chapters 18-20 Stowe made it very clear in her writing that the kind nature in which Augustine St. Clare ran his household was very unorthodox and troublesome. In response to all the criticism St. Clare stated that he was doing the “best”(180) he knew how to and that he honestly believed that at least one of his slaves was a “truthful and faithful” (181) person. This is one man’s opinion yet it shaped the way all his blacks saw society; they did not hate their lives as much as other slaves in the south at the time did. One person’s opinion can impact many lives. Similarly, in modern society, the opinion of a famous celebrity like Kim Kardashian can impact many lives. If she makes a statement about how unfair it is that America does not recognize the Armenian Genocide, her millions of fans all of a sudden start showing interest and/or contempt for the issue. This proves just how powerful one human’s opinion can be when they hold a position of leadership.
Marina, this is really great. I like how you connect Kim Kardashian to the novel. St. Clare, ran the household in an unorthodox and untraditional manner. In addition, I like how you noted that even though he received criticism for his untraditional ways he still treated the slaves respect. From this, his reputation among the black community improved.
ReplyDeleteEven in the modern day we live in, people are influenced so greatly on peer pressure. Half the reasons kids do drugs these days is because they cant say no. Both of oyu made good points in that Mr. Shelby did not adhere to social restrictions and he believed in kindness to all people.
Delete(Laura Ch. 14-17)
ReplyDeleteHarriet Beecher Stowe contains a vast emphasis on the church and Christian values and their importance to both slaves and slave owners. Though during the time period of the novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Tom is described as being a good negro because of his strong religious values along with Eliza who is very religious and thus has the reputation of being a good natured woman. The main prominence of religion in the novel is its affiliation to slaves who have come to adopt the religious views and values as both Tom, Eliza, and numerous other slaves had done. The main seen by which Stowe diametrically links Christian faith and kind slaves in the situation by which Tom Loker, a slave trader chasing after Eliza and her family among other slaves, falls from a ledge and rather than leaving him to die the runaway slaves help the man and bring him to a safe house for healing. The reasoning behind this rescue lies in the words Eliza and her husband, George say, ““Well do stop then”, Said Eliza, “and do something for the poor man; he’s groaning dreadfully.”” to this George replies, “”It would be no more Christian,” (Stowe 286). The two slaves take pity on the slave trader and choose to follows their Christian morals and help the man despite the fact that he tried to shoot and capture them. Stowe uses Christianity as a means of asserting kindness among slaves, for them to use as a guide in the hardships they face so brutally and frequently.
Laura, this is awesome. You really hit it on the nail! I like how you worded this post and your use of diction; It very much reflects your insightful thoughts. I really like the fact that you connected Tom's behavior and pious attitude with his religious values. I agree that the religion used throughout the novel is often in accordance with the slaves. I also liked the quote that you used. I believe it fits the topic perfectly.
Delete(Marina Ch.21-31)
ReplyDeleteThroughout these chapters there are several major events that occur, but one of the most notable ones is little Eva’s death. She represents perfection and freedom from sin throughout the novel considering she treats every one of her slaves with respect and kindness, and in addition she does not seem to believe in slavery at all. Eva appears like a Christ-figure spreading her “beauty” and “peace” (241) with all those around her. It is similar to the notion that every person finds their own little ray of sunshine; this sunshine is what inspires them to get up every morning and live life to the best of their ability.
I agree, Eva's death was a major turning point in the novel especially for Tom. As you said, Eva presents freedom and hope, and when she dies it seems to symbolize a loss of hope and freedom. Tom loses even more of his freedom once he is sold to Legree by his late Master's malign wife. Also, towards the end of the novel hope seems to be waning as Tom, multiple times, begins to lose faith.
Delete(Kathryn Ch.32-End)
ReplyDeleteThroughout these chapters, the meaning of the book becomes sentiment and empathy for slaves, but also hope for change. The brutal beating and then death of Tom strikes a hard cord in George Shelby, for which he devotes his life to abolishment. The author, as she writes it in her novel, wishes for others reading the novel, which is not far from reality, to realize that slavery is a plaque to the society and should be eradicated. Where Tom represents the more negative ending that urges action on the readers’ parts, the renting of Eliza and her lost family sends a thread of hope out to the audience. Through the happy ending of the family, Stowe exhibits to the readers that there can be, and will be change, and that in the end when all is said and done, it will be for the better.