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A review by kessler21
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
4.0
I decided to read this book in connection with my Journey through the US Presidents as Uncle Tom's Cabin was mentions several times in regard to the Pre-Civil War temperament.
Uncle Tom's Cabin is extremely complex and has been dissected, argued, revered, and debated many, many times.
Historical Context
The book is extremely important from a historical context as it was written in response to the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. It helped ignite active abolitionist support in the North and deepened fissures with the South. Sometimes considered the first Best Seller, Uncle Tom's Cabin was widely read in the United States and Britian as well as Stowe's follow up book "A Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin" which gave sources and accounts of the information she drew from.
As a Novel
The writing is not an easy read as the writing and speaking is different than today. Many parts of the book are slow and the story is much longer than I anticipated.
Cultural Significance
Much has been made of the stereotypes portrayed in the book, as well as those perpetuated in adaptations. Being an Uncle Tom has become an insult in the black community. Stowe did apparently have her own prejudices, as she did believe in Colonization over harmonious living between races, however, she did promote slavery and the mistreatment of humans as contrary to Christian teachings.
Themes
Religion is a huge theme, as the black and white characters alike are shown to be ignorant, dumb, and bad without God, but once accepting God, are mild and humble and meek.
Though women's rights is not pushed in the book, the abilities and intelligence and influence of women is a strong theme.
Sacrifice for a greater good. Tom is not subservient for the sake of subservience. He sacrifices himself for his family, other slaves, and for his own morality. At the same time, Stowe brings into question several times if it's okay to break the laws for what is right. I feel her answer to this is yes as long as it does not hurt others.
Stowe condemns violence, even against evil unless no other options is available, and even then, it is measured and only what is necessary. Goodness is nonviolent and peaceable.
Stowe attacks the south and ungodly people with laziness.
Overview
Despite being a difficult read, I loved the stand that someone took in the 1850s for what is right. How she unabashedly called out the whole country, those in the North and the South, for injustice. Is it perfect? No. But it helped is largely influential for heading towards the Civil War and not allowing a compromise on slavery.
Uncle Tom's Cabin is extremely complex and has been dissected, argued, revered, and debated many, many times.
Historical Context
The book is extremely important from a historical context as it was written in response to the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. It helped ignite active abolitionist support in the North and deepened fissures with the South. Sometimes considered the first Best Seller, Uncle Tom's Cabin was widely read in the United States and Britian as well as Stowe's follow up book "A Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin" which gave sources and accounts of the information she drew from.
As a Novel
The writing is not an easy read as the writing and speaking is different than today. Many parts of the book are slow and the story is much longer than I anticipated.
Cultural Significance
Much has been made of the stereotypes portrayed in the book, as well as those perpetuated in adaptations. Being an Uncle Tom has become an insult in the black community. Stowe did apparently have her own prejudices, as she did believe in Colonization over harmonious living between races, however, she did promote slavery and the mistreatment of humans as contrary to Christian teachings.
Themes
Religion is a huge theme, as the black and white characters alike are shown to be ignorant, dumb, and bad without God, but once accepting God, are mild and humble and meek.
Though women's rights is not pushed in the book, the abilities and intelligence and influence of women is a strong theme.
Sacrifice for a greater good. Tom is not subservient for the sake of subservience. He sacrifices himself for his family, other slaves, and for his own morality. At the same time, Stowe brings into question several times if it's okay to break the laws for what is right. I feel her answer to this is yes as long as it does not hurt others.
Stowe condemns violence, even against evil unless no other options is available, and even then, it is measured and only what is necessary. Goodness is nonviolent and peaceable.
Stowe attacks the south and ungodly people with laziness.
Overview
Despite being a difficult read, I loved the stand that someone took in the 1850s for what is right. How she unabashedly called out the whole country, those in the North and the South, for injustice. Is it perfect? No. But it helped is largely influential for heading towards the Civil War and not allowing a compromise on slavery.