Straying from society’s “normal” can lead to the helping of many people.
In Uncle Tom’s Cabin, one of the characters named Mr. St. Clare, is a man who “acted against the national tendency” (194) when he decided that he would treat his slaves with respect and help them with whatever they may need. Although the majority of the slaveowners at the time treated their slaves worse than animals, St. Clare saw the injustice in this and saw to it that his slaves were taken care of and made them feel as if they were actually human beings, a rare perspective in the southern society at the time.
I completely agree. When you make the decision to break the mold, and do things your own way, opportunities can open up that would have never been available in the first place. About Mr. St. Clare, even though he decides to treat his slaves with kindness, the way every person should be treated, he is utterly powerless when it came to other people's slaves or "property", for instance, Prue. He knew what was happening but he was unable to stop her abuse leading up to her death.
Good points! Today society outcasts individuals who do not adhere to social standards. However Mr. Shelby did not care and ignored those. Allowing his slaves to be happy and live comfortably.
(Marina Ch. 14-17) In order for a society to be balanced, there must be individuals who oppose the popular beliefs. Although in Uncle Tom’s Cabin the majority of the characters believe in slavery, there are a few individuals, like George Shelby, that disagree. George Shelby is a young boy that feels sympathy for a cause that most adults of his time see as simply normal. George is “ashamed” to be “a Kentuckian”(87). The fact that he feels this way and his slaves notice it is what allows for society to become balanced. In modern day society, there are millions of people who hold different opinions, some so strongly that it creates fights. It is because of these opposing opinions that society is so diverse and continues to make progress with every developing generation.
(Kathryn Ch.18-20) At times, one is incapable of acting against something they view as immoral and unethical. In Uncle Tom’s Cabin, many of the characters, specifically of white skin, are aware that abusive slave treatment is nefarious and immoral. Unfortunately these straight minded individuals are at a loss because of the Fugitive Slave Act and the fact that slaves are considered others ‘property’…And you don’t mess with other people’s property. For instance, when news hit the St. Clare house that a slave, Prude, who lives down the street was whipped to death, all residents are shocked, for "in a community so organized, what can a man of honorable and humane feelings do, but shut his eyes all he can, and harden his heart? . . . the most [anyone] can do is to try and keep out of the way of it” (194). The only thing one can do, is to stand back and watch, as they fight against their will to fulfill their personal sense of morality.
Nice Kathryn! This relates so well to similar situations in today's society with all the social media and whatnot. In addition, I think this is an underlying theme that Stowe wanted her readers to notice; she wanted them to see that the feelings that they were having were not uncommon or abominable.
(Daria Ch.21-31) One must accept that they are wrong, in order to fix their faults. "But all these creatures get used to it; it's the only way they can be kept in order. Once let them feel that they are to take any airs about delicacy, and all that, and they'll run all over you..I've begun now to bring them under; and I'll have them all to know that I'll send one out to be whipped, as soon as another, if they don't mind themselves!" Marie is a heartless female dog. She is stubborn and does not accept the fact that slaves are human too. St. Clare and Eve were so kind and compassionate to them. However, since their passing Maria has turned the kindness into torture. By her referring to the slaves as “creatures” this undermines them immensely removing any sense of human dignity from within.
(Lauren Ch.32-End) One must have faith and strength, in order to overcome obstacles. Tom wonders how Cassy “could not be fallen to those degrading circumstances, he could not tell” (Stowe 502). Tom sees that strength and faith is the way to go. He realizes that the only way Cassy puts up with the ridicule and bullying is by not paying any attention to it and letting it roll off her shoulders as if nothing is happening.
(Marina Ch. 1-13)
ReplyDeleteStraying from society’s “normal” can lead to the helping of many people.
In Uncle Tom’s Cabin, one of the characters named Mr. St. Clare, is a man who “acted against the national tendency” (194) when he decided that he would treat his slaves with respect and help them with whatever they may need. Although the majority of the slaveowners at the time treated their slaves worse than animals, St. Clare saw the injustice in this and saw to it that his slaves were taken care of and made them feel as if they were actually human beings, a rare perspective in the southern society at the time.
I completely agree. When you make the decision to break the mold, and do things your own way, opportunities can open up that would have never been available in the first place. About Mr. St. Clare, even though he decides to treat his slaves with kindness, the way every person should be treated, he is utterly powerless when it came to other people's slaves or "property", for instance, Prue. He knew what was happening but he was unable to stop her abuse leading up to her death.
DeleteGood points! Today society outcasts individuals who do not adhere to social standards. However Mr. Shelby did not care and ignored those. Allowing his slaves to be happy and live comfortably.
Delete(Marina Ch. 14-17)
ReplyDeleteIn order for a society to be balanced, there must be individuals who oppose the popular beliefs.
Although in Uncle Tom’s Cabin the majority of the characters believe in slavery, there are a few individuals, like George Shelby, that disagree. George Shelby is a young boy that feels sympathy for a cause that most adults of his time see as simply normal. George is “ashamed” to be “a Kentuckian”(87). The fact that he feels this way and his slaves notice it is what allows for society to become balanced. In modern day society, there are millions of people who hold different opinions, some so strongly that it creates fights. It is because of these opposing opinions that society is so diverse and continues to make progress with every developing generation.
(Kathryn Ch.18-20)
ReplyDeleteAt times, one is incapable of acting against something they view as immoral and unethical.
In Uncle Tom’s Cabin, many of the characters, specifically of white skin, are aware that abusive slave treatment is nefarious and immoral. Unfortunately these straight minded individuals are at a loss because of the Fugitive Slave Act and the fact that slaves are considered others ‘property’…And you don’t mess with other people’s property. For instance, when news hit the St. Clare house that a slave, Prude, who lives down the street was whipped to death, all residents are shocked, for "in a community so organized, what can a man of honorable and humane feelings do, but shut his eyes all he can, and harden his heart? . . . the most [anyone] can do is to try and keep out of the way of it” (194). The only thing one can do, is to stand back and watch, as they fight against their will to fulfill their personal sense of morality.
Nice Kathryn! This relates so well to similar situations in today's society with all the social media and whatnot. In addition, I think this is an underlying theme that Stowe wanted her readers to notice; she wanted them to see that the feelings that they were having were not uncommon or abominable.
Delete(Daria Ch.21-31)
ReplyDeleteOne must accept that they are wrong, in order to fix their faults.
"But all these creatures get used to it; it's the only way they can be kept in order. Once let them feel that they are to take any airs about delicacy, and all that, and they'll run all over you..I've begun now to bring them under; and I'll have them all to know that I'll send one out to be whipped, as soon as another, if they don't mind themselves!"
Marie is a heartless female dog. She is stubborn and does not accept the fact that slaves are human too. St. Clare and Eve were so kind and compassionate to them. However, since their passing Maria has turned the kindness into torture. By her referring to the slaves as “creatures” this undermines them immensely removing any sense of human dignity from within.
(Lauren Ch.32-End)
ReplyDeleteOne must have faith and strength, in order to overcome obstacles.
Tom wonders how Cassy “could not be fallen to those degrading circumstances, he could not tell” (Stowe 502). Tom sees that strength and faith is the way to go. He realizes that the only way Cassy puts up with the ridicule and bullying is by not paying any attention to it and letting it roll off her shoulders as if nothing is happening.