Slave Narratives Part I (Uncle Tom’s Cabin) American Literature

The book portrays the evil and morality of slavery, as well as the tension between Christianity and the institution. The author's numerous characters discuss slavery in its worst and strongest ways, explaining how the wickedness of the system demeans the values upon which America is founded.
The Novel's Mothering and Parenting Themes
Stowe, the book's protagonist, had a son who died as a result of the cholera pandemic. As a consequence, she contrasts her wretched agony and deep suffering to that of slave mothers whose children were sold. The other plead with pity for mercy on mothers who affectionately love their children yet have no single right to educate, protect or even guide the children of their bosom (Stowe 452). Eliza, a character in the story, is forced by her motherly affection, love, and strength of her spirit to run to Canada when Mr. Shelby, her master, sells off her little son. The motif of family occurs where the families of the slaves had to separate as they were sold off and treated as property. Driven by financial profit intentions, Arthur Shelby, the master to Eliza and Tom, breaks off this family ties when he sells off their son although his wife did not agree with this idea from a mother’s perspective. The role of motherhood stands out in saving family as depicted by Eliza who was ready to go to all lengths possible to protect and unite her family (Stowe 477).

Graham’s Thesis

Graham attributed the success of the book to proclivity and biases of the human nature which fell and swells suddenly with rumors and popularity. As Graham puts it, the trend and the impact made by the novel entirely relied on the sale figures to boost its popularity. To him, the author of the book rather wrote it in a hurry, often leading to the generalization of the characters. For the better part of the novel, as Graham states, Stowe, the author, explores the slavery issue in a mild setting where slaves have a positive relationship with their masters, but that is not the case.

The Aspect of Generalization

Generalizations is seen in Tom who does not accept his inferiority position with happiness. His passivity owes not to contentment or stupidity, but rather his deeply rooted religious morals which impel him to endure all trials and selflessly love everyone (Graham 617). This generalization of Tom by the author was purposely made to show the role of religion and appreciate those who took part to end slavery. Generalization of Tom as a religious figure who advocated for the liberation of the created a right image of Christianity, thus making the slaves have a temperament congenial to the Christianity religion.

The second instance of purposeful generalization was of Miss Ophelia who theoretically cares for the blacks, but is still prejudiced and cannot interact with them on a personal level like hugging. Miss Ophelia, generalized on a broad perspective, claims to care for the welfare of the blacks but still does not need them around (Graham 619). Moreover, Stowe’s generalization was in no way intended to cause any controversy, but rather create awareness on the prevailing situation and lead to the abolition of the abominable practice of enslaving people.

Conclusion

Slavery divided America where the inhuman atrocities committed against slaves had to be resolved through violence and bloodshed. Bowel, through the novel, was able to make impact in America, often changing the perception of whites towards slavery. The novel made a big milestone towards the abolition of slavery in America.





Work Cited

Graham, Thomas. "Harriet Beecher Stowe and the question of race." New England Quarterly (1973): 614-622.

Stowe, Harriet B. Uncle Tom's Cabin. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. Print.





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