Complete the following tasks: 1. Insert one short passage that you found noteworthy and explain in 2-4 sentences why you included it. 2. Respond to what you read in this link: http://www.slate.com/id/2118927/
"i declare to you," said he (St.Clare), suddenly stopping before his cousin "(it's no sort of use to talk or to feel on this subject), but i declare to you, there have been times when i have thought, if the whole country would sink, and hide all the injustices and misery from light, i would willingly sink with it. When i have been traveling up and down on our boats, or about on my collecting tours, and reflected that every brutal, disgusting, mean, low-lived fellow i met, was allowed by our laws to become absolute despot of as many men, women and children, as he could cheat, steal, or gamble money enough to buy,-when i have seen such men in actual ownership of helpless children, of young girls and women,-i have been ready to curse my country, to curse the human race." (Pg 332)
~this is one of the passages that spoke most to me because it is so heartfelt and passionate, something i did not expect St. Clare to say or feel, let alone a slave owner in general. Also, i believe this is why Uncle Toms Cabin was so revolutionary, because Ms. Stowe had the courage to write things like the above passage, something no one had the audacity to put out in public as their opinion. it is a strong statement, both this passage and her publishing Uncle Toms Cabin, and that is what i think the above represents for me.
“Mas’r, if you was sick, or in trouble, or dying, and I could save ye, I’d give ye my heart’s blood; and, if taking every drop of blood in this poor old body would save your precious soul, I’d give ’em freely, as the Lord gave his for me. Oh, Mas’r! don’t bring this great sin on your soul! It will hurt you more than’t will me! Do the worst you can, my troubles’ll be over soon; but, if ye don’t repent, yours won’t never end!” (Page 274)
- Legree was Tom's opresser, making his life miserable constantly. The first thing for Tom to want, should be for Legree to go to hell. Even though Legree was a tortuous man, being unkind and cruel, Tom still considered his soul, and was trying to look out for him. Tom knew he was near death, and would soon escape Legree but he still found the goodness within to try and help this awful man. Tom's selflessness is something that I found extraordinary and that is why this quote really stuck out to me.
In Response to the Article... I think this article was a good way to delve deeper into the meaning and significance of Uncle Tom's Cabin. One of the first things that stuck out to me was when it was stated that Lincoln acknowledged Stowe as being the woman to start the Civil War. To me, this is a very important statement not just because it was bold of Lincoln to say, but because it puts a lot of responsibility on Stowe. To be the woman who "began" the civil war, means that Stowe's writing is far more powerful than not just anything of it's time, but ever. I believe this is true. Stowe's writing has clearly been recognized as revolutionary, and that is well exemplified in this article. Something else that this article made me think about, was how this book has truly "survived the test of time". There are not many books from the 19th century that are still so valuable to learning today. The topic of Uncle Tom's Cabin may not directly relate to us today (seeing that slavery was abolished in the U.S.) but as the article said, this book strongly supports feminism, because Stowe was a female writer during a time where females did not have such a dominate role in society. Along with this, I think this piece of writing is important to read, to see what our country used to be like. America has not always been the land of freedom, where all people are equal. One last thing that caught my attention in this article was a quote that said "Where does our tendency to goodness or wickedness come from, exactly? ". I think this is an important piece to think about when reflecting back on slavery. There are certain things that are clearly wrong, and other things that are obviously right. But there is some fuzziness in between. In order to destroy that "gray area", I understand why Stowe had to make certain areas of the book drastic (like Tom being taking away from his family). Looking back in history, slavery was one of those things that was clearly wrong. But when the book was written, that was not the case. I think that because Stowe defied so many people's opinions of her day, this book is even more powerful.
"'Mamma, you believe, don't you, that Topsy could become an angel, as well as any of us, if she were a Christian?''Topsy! What a ridiculous idea! Nobody but you would ever think of it. I suppose she could, though.' 'But, mamma, isn't G-d her father, as much as ours? Isn't Jesus her Saviour?' (page 325). This quotation struck me as something very typical of Eva to say. In my mind, Eva is one of the heroes of this book, she is so young, yet so mature. Her beliefs of racial equality are so rare for this setting. It amazes me that a child so young can have thoughts so deep, especially regarding the acceptance of their black slave, Topsy as an angel. I am truly touched when Eva dies, and her benevolence is something that I missed once she was gone. She is a voice of reason, especially when she tries to share her knowledge with her mother.
I also was very surprised when the article stated that Lincoln blamed Uncle Tom's Cabin for starting the Civil War. Although I do feel that there is some truth to that statement, there are many other factors that caused the Civil War as well. The article makes me realize how significant of a text Uncle Tom's Cabin really is. Even if it didn't literally start the Civil War it influenced many peoples opinions on slavery and made the masses come to the realization of just how inhumane slavery is. It amazes me how significant one person's ideas comprised into a book can be. The fact that Harriet Beecher Stowe had the ability and the courage to publish this book is also incredible! With her book she is basically saying that people should reconsider their belief in slavery. She must have been a very hated lady in society (mostly in the south)once her book was published.
The child felt no pain, -- only a tranquil, soft weakness, daily and almost insensibly increasing; and she was so beautiful, so loving, so trustful, so happy that one could not resist the soothing influence of that air of innocence and peace which seemed to breathe around her. St. Clare found a strange calm coming over him. It was not hope, -- that was impossible; it was not resignation; it was only a calm resting in the present, which seemed so beautiful that he wished to think of no future. It was like that hush of spirit which we feel amid the bright, mild woods of autumn, when the bright hectic flush is on the trees, and the last lingering flowers by the brook; and we joy in it all the more, because we know that soon it will all pass away. (332-333)
- To me, this passage clearly demonstrates how Stowe uses emotional rhetoric to persuade her readers. Throughout the novel, Stowe paints Eva as a perfect little girl, her naivete a defining feature. As a cute child, Eva is a character readers can identify with, whether they have a relative like her or they simply are drawn to her by Stowe's flattering description. Eva's hope, as she voiced many times before her death, is that masters will treat their slaves well, and that slaves will be loyal friends to their masters. Stowe utilizes this likable character's views to inspire the reader to carry out Eva's final request, just as St. Clare intended to in his daughter's honor. Stowe furthers this method of persuasion by equating Eva's passing to the passing of autumn (which Stowe also describes favorably), a feeling to which readers can relate.
“The truth flashed upon Mr. Shelby and his wife at the same moment. He exclaimed,- “’Then she suspected it, and she’s off.”’ “’The Lord be thanked!”’ said Mrs. Shelby. “’I trust she is.”’ “’Wife, you talk like a fool! Really, it will be something pretty awkward for me if she is…”’ (Pg. 51-52)
Response I find this to be a noteworthy passage because it perfectly exhibits the goodness of the Shelbys. Upon hearing that Eliza has run away, not only is Mrs. Shelby praising the Lord in happiness, but also furthermore, the reader hears absolutely no mention of the significant financial loss that this could prove to be. Because they don’t mention anything about money in this passage, it conveyed to me that they were very good-hearted people, and unlike many other slave-owners at the time, they think of their slaves as people, and care more about their well being than their potential to make or lose money.
Response to Article I strongly agree with this article. Before reading Uncle Tom’s Cabin, I expected it to be a novel that shed light on the sins of slavery. What I actually got from Uncle Tom’s Cabin was more a Christian message than anything else. While the book is “about” slavery, to me, it is really about how a man’s Christianity made him okay with getting pushed around and eventually killed. There are two main slave characters in this book: George Harris, and Uncle Tom, and they are wildly different. George is an intelligent, capable slave who is not able to achieve his potential because of racism. Tom is of average intelligence at best and is deeply Christian. George decides that he wants a future for himself, and runs away. Tom willingly subjects himself to bondage and does absolutely nothing to better his circumstances, an inaction that ultimately results in his demise. As the article states, what worked in the 19th century just doesn’t work any more. While “Harris' pride, his sense of an almost primordial entitlement to a life of self-directed dignity, strikes a chord with the modern reader” (Metcalf, http://www.slate.com/id/2118927/), The focus of the book is almost always on Tom. To the modern day reader, or at least to me, I kept finding myself frustrated by the lack of attention afforded to George. While Tom descends deeper and deeper into his own demise, and uses his faith as an excuse to do nothing about it, George takes the initiative and frees himself! I kept asking myself why, if this book is about the abolition of slavery, is the story focused on a lame duck who sacrifices himself in the name of Christianity rather than focusing on George: the symbol of resistance against slavery! Would George’s actions not convey to 19th Northerners that there are other slaves like him that need their help to be free? I think they would. However, when George does finally free himself, his story is essentially over, and there are no further mentions of his successes as a free man in Canada. What is mentioned is Tom’s ardent belief in Christianity leading him down a road where there is no escape possible. I guess that Stowe believed that the portrayal of a Christian man being killed would stir Northerners to abolish slavery. Maybe it did. However, for me, as a modern day reader, Stowe’s focus on Tom’s devout religion ends up hitting me as religious fluff rather than a call to abolitionists to get together and abolish a terrible sin.
“When Tom ceased to speak, St. Clare reached out and took his hand, looking earnestly at him, but saying nothing. He closed his eyes, but still retained his hold; for in the gates of eternity, the black hand and the white hold each other with an equal clasp” (365). I think that this passage is one of the strongest statements that Stowe makes in her novel. Our generation might take for granted the idea that people of different skin colors can now coexist peacefully on many occasions (even though racism is still, of course, present.) We must remember though, that slavery and discrimination were parts of every day life. Therefore, I find it hard to believe that Stowe had enough courage to present this idea to a society where equality wasn’t even considered an option! This passage simply justifies one of Stowe’s main goals: to completely reverse the accepted opinion of slavery and cause readers to take action. A bold, glaring statement such as this one, in my opinion, is a start for Stowe’s difficult mission. This passage also incorporates an aspect of Christianity, a major theme throughout the novel. As St. Clare is dying, the author depicts, one last time, St. Clare’s affection for Tom. The concept of an afterlife was reserved only for the white population; yet Stowe challenges this by arguing that St. Clare and Tom can join equally in heaven.
Response to Article: I definitely think Stephen Metcalf presents many interesting and well-proven points about Uncle Tom’s Cabin. One that I thought was particularly compelling was when he said that Stowe’s novel is “the bluntest of instruments.” It’s true: Stowe simply wrote a novel in response to the Fugitive Slave Act in which she stated her strong feelings about “a uniquely depraving institution.” Yet even if her work seems simple enough, this article describes nicely how Stowe extends much deeper into the emotional view on slavery. Stowe presents a story that causes guilt if the reader does not act against the cruelty, which works to her advantage. Even if Uncle Tom’s Cabin was a direct tool for undermining slavery, the way Stowe goes about doing that expands to a personal level through Tom, George, and Eva’s adventures. Like Metcalf says, there’s no way that beating a man to death can appear positive. One idea that also struck me is the subject of feminism. Uncle Tom’s Cabin did receive some feminist criticism on the portrayal of Eva’s mother. However, I think that the novel also represents a very important victory for women. In the 21st first century, when we read a historical book by a man that sends a provocative message, we might regard it highly and approve of it. When a woman writes a book with bravery and includes an argument though, we sometimes believe it’s even more impressive. The idea that Stowe overcame social AND gender related obstacles proves an immense amount of strength. In my opinion, her reputation has allowed Uncle Tom’s Cabin to live longer and make a stronger impact.
I agree with this article; I really do think that Stowe was successful in using Uncle Tom's Cabin as a means to create a "mass opinion against slavery." Throughout the novel, I noticed her strong underlying opinions against slavery in the tone of the book, in how she created and portrayed her characters (by making some likeable, like Tom, and others detestable, like Legree), and the messages she buried into the plot (by making the reader truly feel for the turmoil in Tom's life as he traveled from master to master, each one treating him worse than the previous). But the part of the article that stood out to me most was Metcalf's ideas behind why the text itself was so successful. Part of the reason was because the story was "more morally sound" [Jane Smiley] than other books of the time (like Huck Finn), but also because of who wrote it. Stowe received a lot of attention for her book because she wrote passionately about a controversial topic. Furthermore, as a female writer herself, capitalizing on a difficult subject of the time became an even bigger deal because of her gender. I believe Stowe's gender played a huge part in the success of her novel; Stowe prompted "a monumental effort to reorganize culture from the woman's point of view," [Jane Tompkins] by speaking her mind as a woman in a male-dominated society. This not only got her book attention from feminists who wanted to support her, but also called the attention of men who, for the first time, were taking a female's work seriously. They took it so seriously that Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin helped spark the Civil War. A successful female writer was a rarity, and a female writer who wrote about controversial topics was even more obscure. Metcalf alludes to this in his article, and I believe that these are the reasons for Stowe's success.
"'Many of you, I am afraid, are very careless. You are thinking only about this world. I want you to remember that there is a beautiful world, where Jesus is. I am going there, and you can go there. It is for you, as much as me. But if you want to go there, you must not live idle, careless, thoughtless lives. You must be Christians. You must remember that each one of you can become angels, and be angels forever"' (332)
Throughout this novel Eva brings happiness, hope and change to the lives of many characters, and even her dying wish leaves her friends and family with these sentiments. Portrayed as a flawless, young girl, Eva grows into a character with one of the most mature perspectives, and a clear vision of right versus wrong. Spoken in one of her last moments, this quotation shows Eva's consideration for her beloved and her desire to change society for the better.
Response to Article: I agree with many of the points of this article and think it is an interesting and valid depiction of many aspects of the novel. Stowe was able to attract readers with her anti-slavery sentiments, "...her goal was as simple as it was righteous: to depict slavery as a uniquely depraving institution" (Metcalf, http://www.slate.com/id/2118927/). While Stowe did reveal the harsh realities of slavery in her novel, I found that she put a stronger focus on Tom's devotion to Christianity and his morals. Still, however, there remains a character, George Harris, who shows a more direct form of strength and resistance when he escapes into independence with the hope of putting his brains to use. Yet Stowe chooses to focus this novel on the more servile, Tom. In my opinion, Tom's devotion to his religion and his morals is his form of resistance, but there is no reason why there should be a lack of focus on a character who expresses his intelligent nature and resists by physically running away. Stowe also brought feminist messages into her novel through characters such as Eva, who showed strength and maturity with her desire to make the world a better place. Stowe's message in Uncle Tom's Cabin was bold and compelling, yet behind her anti-slavery message lied a strong religious and feminist sentiment as well.
"But who, sir, makes the trader? Who is most to blame? The enlightened, cultivated, intelligent man, who supports the system of which the trader is the inevitable result, or the poor trader himself? You make the public statement that calls for his trade, that debauches and depraves him, till he feels no shame in it; and in what are you better than he?"
-This passage was one of the most powerful arguments that Stowe made about slavery. It was part of what made this book so influential because it includes the whole country in the problem rather than just slave owners. It gives even those in the North who may not have slaves themselves the responsibility to fight slavery as well because by not doing anything, they are just as responsible for the horrors of slavery as the slave traders are.
Response to Article: In this article, Stephen Metcalf questions why Uncle Tom's Cabin has survived to be a famous book today. He sites one reason for Uncle Tom's Cabin's continued success as its female author, for while reading Uncle Tom's Cabin we can appreciate that Harriet Beecher Stowe was overcoming sexual prejudices as well as social challenges. While I appreciate this fact, I don't believe that the sex of the author had a huge impact on the popularity of Uncle Tom's Cabin. What I took away from Uncle Tom's Cabin was not just an appreciation that Stowe wrote it at a time where there weren't many successful female writers, but many ideas that I thought are still relevant today, despite the fact that slavery no longer exists in America. For example, the idea that even if one is not directly involved in a situation, they are still just as guilty as those involved if they do nothing to stop it (like Northerners and slavery) can still be applied to many situations today. I think that Uncle Tom's Cabin continues to be successful because readers can still relate to many of the themes of the book in the modern world.
Being a high school student, I was entirely in favor of Stephen Metcalf decision to reexamine Uncle Tom's Cabin claim to fame. Reading the article, I tried to follow Metcalf's opinion as he cited various criticisms and praise. In his final paragraph, however, I think he succinctly summed up my view of Uncle Tom's Cabin and many other books labeled as "classics". While an impressive feat for a female author in the social circumstances, in a democratic country where slavery has long been abolished, the message of anti-slavery is significantly less applicable, especially as a non-Christian reading about it in a novel heavily infused with religion where the narrator often preaches to the reader. Metcalf reminds us that "keeping distinct propaganda and literature, after all, is one necessary prerogative of a free people" and Uncle Tom's Cabin is a novel with the obvious intent of furthering political campaigns, specifically, abolitionism, and on a lesser level, feminism. Even if the message of freedom and equality can still be carried across, it is dampened by a level of religion that is much less common in the book's audience than it was 60 years ago and circumstances that are no longer relevant. That being said, and having established the difference between a well-written book and a successful book, I do agree with Stowe's persistent and passionate conviction of slavery as evil even in the best of situations, let alone under cruel and racist owners. She does vividly convey her message, and for that she does deserve some credit, although I agree that the book is "the bluntest of instruments". It played the part it was intended to play, although that doesn't necessarily mean it deserves to play a part in literature forever. Like Metcalf, I feel the novel deserves appropriate respect and recognition, but not unnecessary praise and immortality.
"Here, you rascal, you make believe to be so pious,--didn't you never hear, out of your Bible, 'Servants, obey yer masters'? An't I yer master? Didn't I pay down twelve hundred dollars, cash, for all there is inside yer old cussed black shell? An't yer mine, now, body and soul?" pg 366
This passage spoke to me because it was an example of politics in a strongly opinionated and political novel. Uncle Tom's Cabin was undisputedly controversial when it was published. I was surprised that Harriet Beecher Stowe didn't invalidate Legree's argument by mentioning that the bible affirms a few verses later that while the servants are responsible for being obedient,the masters are equally responsible to treat their servants justly and would be subject to the same judgement as their servants in the end. However, it is still a prime example of words and facts being twisted in favor of one's opinion. I agree with Stowe's view of slavery as "accursed" and wrong even in the hands of the best masters, represented by the Shelby's, but this passage in particular seemed to me equally as passionate as Stowe in its self confidence, and I found that interesting.
RESPONSE TO ARTICLE: while reading this article i was approached with certain ideas and opinions i had not considered and it helped me reflect more on the book, Uncle Toms Cabin. the authors use of James Baldwins thoughts on George Harris and Uncle Tom were the most interesting to me. while reading, i saw the two mens stories as the 2 opposite sides of slavery, one on the path of escape, the other falling deeper into oppression. he stated that George and Tom were a "race apart", because, in his escape to Canada, George relied on looking the part of a spaniard and in a way deserted his race. on the other hand we have tom, who always stuck to his identity and people. this idea was the most interesting to me, though i found the article as a whole very informative. Also, i agreed with the author when he says, "150 years later, maybe we can delineate the understandable limits of its heroism and admit its manifest crudity as a work of art." i thought it was a good conclusion to the article.
~"Why has Uncle Toms Cabin survived- and thrived?" by S. Metclaf
18 comments:
"i declare to you," said he (St.Clare), suddenly stopping before his cousin "(it's no sort of use to talk or to feel on this subject), but i declare to you, there have been times when i have thought, if the whole country would sink, and hide all the injustices and misery from light, i would willingly sink with it. When i have been traveling up and down on our boats, or about on my collecting tours, and reflected that every brutal, disgusting, mean, low-lived fellow i met, was allowed by our laws to become absolute despot of as many men, women and children, as he could cheat, steal, or gamble money enough to buy,-when i have seen such men in actual ownership of helpless children, of young girls and women,-i have been ready to curse my country, to curse the human race." (Pg 332)
~this is one of the passages that spoke most to me because it is so heartfelt and passionate, something i did not expect St. Clare to say or feel, let alone a slave owner in general. Also, i believe this is why Uncle Toms Cabin was so revolutionary, because Ms. Stowe had the courage to write things like the above passage, something no one had the audacity to put out in public as their opinion. it is a strong statement, both this passage and her publishing Uncle Toms Cabin, and that is what i think the above represents for me.
“Mas’r, if you was sick, or in trouble, or dying, and I could save ye, I’d give ye my heart’s blood; and, if taking every drop of blood in this poor old body would save your precious soul, I’d give ’em freely, as the Lord gave his for me. Oh, Mas’r! don’t bring this great sin on your soul! It will hurt you more than’t will me! Do the worst you can, my troubles’ll be over soon; but, if ye don’t repent, yours won’t never end!” (Page 274)
- Legree was Tom's opresser, making his life miserable constantly. The first thing for Tom to want, should be for Legree to go to hell. Even though Legree was a tortuous man, being unkind and cruel, Tom still considered his soul, and was trying to look out for him. Tom knew he was near death, and would soon escape Legree but he still found the goodness within to try and help this awful man. Tom's selflessness is something that I found extraordinary and that is why this quote really stuck out to me.
In Response to the Article...
I think this article was a good way to delve deeper into the meaning and significance of Uncle Tom's Cabin. One of the first things that stuck out to me was when it was stated that Lincoln acknowledged Stowe as being the woman to start the Civil War. To me, this is a very important statement not just because it was bold of Lincoln to say, but because it puts a lot of responsibility on Stowe. To be the woman who "began" the civil war, means that Stowe's writing is far more powerful than not just anything of it's time, but ever. I believe this is true. Stowe's writing has clearly been recognized as revolutionary, and that is well exemplified in this article. Something else that this article made me think about, was how this book has truly "survived the test of time". There are not many books from the 19th century that are still so valuable to learning today. The topic of Uncle Tom's Cabin may not directly relate to us today (seeing that slavery was abolished in the U.S.) but as the article said, this book strongly supports feminism, because Stowe was a female writer during a time where females did not have such a dominate role in society. Along with this, I think this piece of writing is important to read, to see what our country used to be like. America has not always been the land of freedom, where all people are equal. One last thing that caught my attention in this article was a quote that said "Where does our tendency to goodness or wickedness come from, exactly? ". I think this is an important piece to think about when reflecting back on slavery. There are certain things that are clearly wrong, and other things that are obviously right. But there is some fuzziness in between. In order to destroy that "gray area", I understand why Stowe had to make certain areas of the book drastic (like Tom being taking away from his family). Looking back in history, slavery was one of those things that was clearly wrong. But when the book was written, that was not the case. I think that because Stowe defied so many people's opinions of her day, this book is even more powerful.
"'Mamma, you believe, don't you, that Topsy could become an angel, as well as any of us, if she were a Christian?''Topsy! What a ridiculous idea! Nobody but you would ever think of it. I suppose she could, though.' 'But, mamma, isn't G-d her father, as much as ours? Isn't Jesus her Saviour?' (page 325).
This quotation struck me as something very typical of Eva to say. In my mind, Eva is one of the heroes of this book, she is so young, yet so mature. Her beliefs of racial equality are so rare for this setting. It amazes me that a child so young can have thoughts so deep, especially regarding the acceptance of their black slave, Topsy as an angel. I am truly touched when Eva dies, and her benevolence is something that I missed once she was gone. She is a voice of reason, especially when she tries to share her knowledge with her mother.
I also was very surprised when the article stated that Lincoln blamed Uncle Tom's Cabin for starting the Civil War. Although I do feel that there is some truth to that statement, there are many other factors that caused the Civil War as well. The article makes me realize how significant of a text Uncle Tom's Cabin really is. Even if it didn't literally start the Civil War it influenced many peoples opinions on slavery and made the masses come to the realization of just how inhumane slavery is. It amazes me how significant one person's ideas comprised into a book can be. The fact that Harriet Beecher Stowe had the ability and the courage to publish this book is also incredible! With her book she is basically saying that people should reconsider their belief in slavery. She must have been a very hated lady in society (mostly in the south)once her book was published.
The child felt no pain, -- only a tranquil, soft weakness, daily and almost insensibly increasing; and she was so beautiful, so loving, so trustful, so happy that one could not resist the soothing influence of that air of innocence and peace which seemed to breathe around her. St. Clare found a strange calm coming over him. It was not hope, -- that was impossible; it was not resignation; it was only a calm resting in the present, which seemed so beautiful that he wished to think of no future. It was like that hush of spirit which we feel amid the bright, mild woods of autumn, when the bright hectic flush is on the trees, and the last lingering flowers by the brook; and we joy in it all the more, because we know that soon it will all pass away. (332-333)
- To me, this passage clearly demonstrates how Stowe uses emotional rhetoric to persuade her readers. Throughout the novel, Stowe paints Eva as a perfect little girl, her naivete a defining feature. As a cute child, Eva is a character readers can identify with, whether they have a relative like her or they simply are drawn to her by Stowe's flattering description. Eva's hope, as she voiced many times before her death, is that masters will treat their slaves well, and that slaves will be loyal friends to their masters. Stowe utilizes this likable character's views to inspire the reader to carry out Eva's final request, just as St. Clare intended to in his daughter's honor. Stowe furthers this method of persuasion by equating Eva's passing to the passing of autumn (which Stowe also describes favorably), a feeling to which readers can relate.
“The truth flashed upon Mr. Shelby and his wife at the same moment. He exclaimed,-
“’Then she suspected it, and she’s off.”’
“’The Lord be thanked!”’ said Mrs. Shelby. “’I trust she is.”’
“’Wife, you talk like a fool! Really, it will be something pretty awkward for me if she is…”’ (Pg. 51-52)
Response
I find this to be a noteworthy passage because it perfectly exhibits the goodness of the Shelbys. Upon hearing that Eliza has run away, not only is Mrs. Shelby praising the Lord in happiness, but also furthermore, the reader hears absolutely no mention of the significant financial loss that this could prove to be. Because they don’t mention anything about money in this passage, it conveyed to me that they were very good-hearted people, and unlike many other slave-owners at the time, they think of their slaves as people, and care more about their well being than their potential to make or lose money.
Response to Article
I strongly agree with this article. Before reading Uncle Tom’s Cabin, I expected it to be a novel that shed light on the sins of slavery. What I actually got from Uncle Tom’s Cabin was more a Christian message than anything else. While the book is “about” slavery, to me, it is really about how a man’s Christianity made him okay with getting pushed around and eventually killed. There are two main slave characters in this book: George Harris, and Uncle Tom, and they are wildly different. George is an intelligent, capable slave who is not able to achieve his potential because of racism. Tom is of average intelligence at best and is deeply Christian. George decides that he wants a future for himself, and runs away. Tom willingly subjects himself to bondage and does absolutely nothing to better his circumstances, an inaction that ultimately results in his demise.
As the article states, what worked in the 19th century just doesn’t work any more. While “Harris' pride, his sense of an almost primordial entitlement to a life of self-directed dignity, strikes a chord with the modern reader” (Metcalf, http://www.slate.com/id/2118927/), The focus of the book is almost always on Tom. To the modern day reader, or at least to me, I kept finding myself frustrated by the lack of attention afforded to George. While Tom descends deeper and deeper into his own demise, and uses his faith as an excuse to do nothing about it, George takes the initiative and frees himself! I kept asking myself why, if this book is about the abolition of slavery, is the story focused on a lame duck who sacrifices himself in the name of Christianity rather than focusing on George: the symbol of resistance against slavery! Would George’s actions not convey to 19th Northerners that there are other slaves like him that need their help to be free? I think they would. However, when George does finally free himself, his story is essentially over, and there are no further mentions of his successes as a free man in Canada. What is mentioned is Tom’s ardent belief in Christianity leading him down a road where there is no escape possible. I guess that Stowe believed that the portrayal of a Christian man being killed would stir Northerners to abolish slavery. Maybe it did. However, for me, as a modern day reader, Stowe’s focus on Tom’s devout religion ends up hitting me as religious fluff rather than a call to abolitionists to get together and abolish a terrible sin.
“When Tom ceased to speak, St. Clare reached out and took his hand, looking earnestly at him, but saying nothing. He closed his eyes, but still retained his hold; for in the gates of eternity, the black hand and the white hold each other with an equal clasp” (365).
I think that this passage is one of the strongest statements that Stowe makes in her novel. Our generation might take for granted the idea that people of different skin colors can now coexist peacefully on many occasions (even though racism is still, of course, present.) We must remember though, that slavery and discrimination were parts of every day life. Therefore, I find it hard to believe that Stowe had enough courage to present this idea to a society where equality wasn’t even considered an option! This passage simply justifies one of Stowe’s main goals: to completely reverse the accepted opinion of slavery and cause readers to take action. A bold, glaring statement such as this one, in my opinion, is a start for Stowe’s difficult mission.
This passage also incorporates an aspect of Christianity, a major theme throughout the novel. As St. Clare is dying, the author depicts, one last time, St. Clare’s affection for Tom. The concept of an afterlife was reserved only for the white population; yet Stowe challenges this by arguing that St. Clare and Tom can join equally in heaven.
Response to Article:
I definitely think Stephen Metcalf presents many interesting and well-proven points about Uncle Tom’s Cabin. One that I thought was particularly compelling was when he said that Stowe’s novel is “the bluntest of instruments.” It’s true: Stowe simply wrote a novel in response to the Fugitive Slave Act in which she stated her strong feelings about “a uniquely depraving institution.” Yet even if her work seems simple enough, this article describes nicely how Stowe extends much deeper into the emotional view on slavery. Stowe presents a story that causes guilt if the reader does not act against the cruelty, which works to her advantage. Even if Uncle Tom’s Cabin was a direct tool for undermining slavery, the way Stowe goes about doing that expands to a personal level through Tom, George, and Eva’s adventures. Like Metcalf says, there’s no way that beating a man to death can appear positive.
One idea that also struck me is the subject of feminism. Uncle Tom’s Cabin did receive some feminist criticism on the portrayal of Eva’s mother. However, I think that the novel also represents a very important victory for women. In the 21st first century, when we read a historical book by a man that sends a provocative message, we might regard it highly and approve of it. When a woman writes a book with bravery and includes an argument though, we sometimes believe it’s even more impressive. The idea that Stowe overcame social AND gender related obstacles proves an immense amount of strength. In my opinion, her reputation has allowed Uncle Tom’s Cabin to live longer and make a stronger impact.
In response to the article:
I agree with this article; I really do think that Stowe was successful in using Uncle Tom's Cabin as a means to create a "mass opinion against slavery." Throughout the novel, I noticed her strong underlying opinions against slavery in the tone of the book, in how she created and portrayed her characters (by making some likeable, like Tom, and others detestable, like Legree), and the messages she buried into the plot (by making the reader truly feel for the turmoil in Tom's life as he traveled from master to master, each one treating him worse than the previous). But the part of the article that stood out to me most was Metcalf's ideas behind why the text itself was so successful. Part of the reason was because the story was "more morally sound" [Jane Smiley] than other books of the time (like Huck Finn), but also because of who wrote it. Stowe received a lot of attention for her book because she wrote passionately about a controversial topic. Furthermore, as a female writer herself, capitalizing on a difficult subject of the time became an even bigger deal because of her gender. I believe Stowe's gender played a huge part in the success of her novel; Stowe prompted "a monumental effort to reorganize culture from the woman's point of view," [Jane Tompkins] by speaking her mind as a woman in a male-dominated society. This not only got her book attention from feminists who wanted to support her, but also called the attention of men who, for the first time, were taking a female's work seriously. They took it so seriously that Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin helped spark the Civil War. A successful female writer was a rarity, and a female writer who wrote about controversial topics was even more obscure. Metcalf alludes to this in his article, and I believe that these are the reasons for Stowe's success.
"'Many of you, I am afraid, are very careless. You are thinking only about this world. I want you to remember that there is a beautiful world, where Jesus is. I am going there, and you can go there. It is for you, as much as me. But if you want to go there, you must not live idle, careless, thoughtless lives. You must be Christians. You must remember that each one of you can become angels, and be angels forever"' (332)
Throughout this novel Eva brings happiness, hope and change to the lives of many characters, and even her dying wish leaves her friends and family with these sentiments. Portrayed as a flawless, young girl, Eva grows into a character with one of the most mature perspectives, and a clear vision of right versus wrong. Spoken in one of her last moments, this quotation shows Eva's consideration for her beloved and her desire to change society for the better.
Response to Article:
I agree with many of the points of this article and think it is an interesting and valid depiction of many aspects of the novel. Stowe was able to attract readers with her anti-slavery sentiments, "...her goal was as simple as it was righteous: to depict slavery as a uniquely depraving institution" (Metcalf, http://www.slate.com/id/2118927/). While Stowe did reveal the harsh realities of slavery in her novel, I found that she put a stronger focus on Tom's devotion to Christianity and his morals. Still, however, there remains a character, George Harris, who shows a more direct form of strength and resistance when he escapes into independence with the hope of putting his brains to use. Yet Stowe chooses to focus this novel on the more servile, Tom. In my opinion, Tom's devotion to his religion and his morals is his form of resistance, but there is no reason why there should be a lack of focus on a character who expresses his intelligent nature and resists by physically running away.
Stowe also brought feminist messages into her novel through characters such as Eva, who showed strength and maturity with her desire to make the world a better place. Stowe's message in Uncle Tom's Cabin was bold and compelling, yet behind her anti-slavery message lied a strong religious and feminist sentiment as well.
"But who, sir, makes the trader? Who is most to blame? The enlightened, cultivated, intelligent man, who supports the system of which the trader is the inevitable result, or the poor trader himself? You make the public statement that calls for his trade, that debauches and depraves him, till he feels no shame in it; and in what are you better than he?"
-This passage was one of the most powerful arguments that Stowe made about slavery. It was part of what made this book so influential because it includes the whole country in the problem rather than just slave owners. It gives even those in the North who may not have slaves themselves the responsibility to fight slavery as well because by not doing anything, they are just as responsible for the horrors of slavery as the slave traders are.
Response to Article:
In this article, Stephen Metcalf questions why Uncle Tom's Cabin has survived to be a famous book today. He sites one reason for Uncle Tom's Cabin's continued success as its female author, for while reading Uncle Tom's Cabin we can appreciate that Harriet Beecher Stowe was overcoming sexual prejudices as well as social challenges. While I appreciate this fact, I don't believe that the sex of the author had a huge impact on the popularity of Uncle Tom's Cabin. What I took away from Uncle Tom's Cabin was not just an appreciation that Stowe wrote it at a time where there weren't many successful female writers, but many ideas that I thought are still relevant today, despite the fact that slavery no longer exists in America. For example, the idea that even if one is not directly involved in a situation, they are still just as guilty as those involved if they do nothing to stop it (like Northerners and slavery) can still be applied to many situations today. I think that Uncle Tom's Cabin continues to be successful because readers can still relate to many of the themes of the book in the modern world.
Being a high school student, I was entirely in favor of Stephen Metcalf decision to reexamine Uncle Tom's Cabin claim to fame. Reading the article, I tried to follow Metcalf's opinion as he cited various criticisms and praise. In his final paragraph, however, I think he succinctly summed up my view of Uncle Tom's Cabin and many other books labeled as "classics". While an impressive feat for a female author in the social circumstances, in a democratic country where slavery has long been abolished, the message of anti-slavery is significantly less applicable, especially as a non-Christian reading about it in a novel heavily infused with religion where the narrator often preaches to the reader. Metcalf reminds us that "keeping distinct propaganda and literature, after all, is one necessary prerogative of a free people" and Uncle Tom's Cabin is a novel with the obvious intent of furthering political campaigns, specifically, abolitionism, and on a lesser level, feminism. Even if the message of freedom and equality can still be carried across, it is dampened by a level of religion that is much less common in the book's audience than it was 60 years ago and circumstances that are no longer relevant. That being said, and having established the difference between a well-written book and a successful book, I do agree with Stowe's persistent and passionate conviction of slavery as evil even in the best of situations, let alone under cruel and racist owners. She does vividly convey her message, and for that she does deserve some credit, although I agree that the book is "the bluntest of instruments". It played the part it was intended to play, although that doesn't necessarily mean it deserves to play a part in literature forever. Like Metcalf, I feel the novel deserves appropriate respect and recognition, but not unnecessary praise and immortality.
"Here, you rascal, you make believe to be so pious,--didn't you never hear, out of your Bible, 'Servants, obey yer masters'? An't I yer master? Didn't I pay down twelve hundred dollars, cash, for all there is inside yer old cussed black shell? An't yer mine, now, body and soul?" pg 366
This passage spoke to me because it was an example of politics in a strongly opinionated and political novel. Uncle Tom's Cabin was undisputedly controversial when it was published. I was surprised that Harriet Beecher Stowe didn't invalidate Legree's argument by mentioning that the bible affirms a few verses later that while the servants are responsible for being obedient,the masters are equally responsible to treat their servants justly and would be subject to the same judgement as their servants in the end. However, it is still a prime example of words and facts being twisted in favor of one's opinion. I agree with Stowe's view of slavery as "accursed" and wrong even in the hands of the best masters, represented by the Shelby's, but this passage in particular seemed to me equally as passionate as Stowe in its self confidence, and I found that interesting.
RESPONSE TO ARTICLE:
while reading this article i was approached with certain ideas and opinions i had not considered and it helped me reflect more on the book, Uncle Toms Cabin. the authors use of James Baldwins thoughts on George Harris and Uncle Tom were the most interesting to me. while reading, i saw the two mens stories as the 2 opposite sides of slavery, one on the path of escape, the other falling deeper into oppression. he stated that George and Tom were a "race apart", because, in his escape to Canada, George relied on looking the part of a spaniard and in a way deserted his race. on the other hand we have tom, who always stuck to his identity and people. this idea was the most interesting to me, though i found the article as a whole very informative. Also, i agreed with the author when he says, "150 years later, maybe we can delineate the understandable limits of its heroism and admit its manifest crudity as a work of art." i thought it was a good conclusion to the article.
~"Why has Uncle Toms Cabin survived- and thrived?" by S. Metclaf
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