Harriet Beecher Stowe was a mother of six and pioneer of her time. She grew up in Cincinnati where she saw slavery first hand across the Kentucky border. This gave her a great deal of insight on the issues of slavery during her time. This allowed her to write with great passion and commitment. She did not set out to change the world but to inform the world. She wrote a series of articles that appeared in a woman’s magazine called The National Era. She later compiled her articles into the book Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
The setting of Uncle Tom’s Cabin opens on the farm of the Shelby’s. Mr. Haley is trying to convince Mr. Shelby to sell Tom, his best servant. Then he sees a young slave boy named Harry and wants him, as well. Eliza, Harry’s mother over hears the conversation and becomes distressed. Her worst fears are confirmed when she hears Master Shelby explain the dilemma to the Mistress. Without time to tell her husband, Eliza takes Harry and sets off for the free state of Ohio.
Tom, being the honest man that he was, does not run. He allows himself to be sold in order to settle his master’s debts. The exchange takes place and Tom is head down to the dreaded “south.” On his way out of town, young Master George catches up with him and promises him that he would one day buy Uncle Tom back.
Eliza manages to elude her pursuer and discovers that many people are willing to help her to get to Canada. While at an Amish community, her family is reunited when husband George appears. With the help of others, George and Eliza finally achieve their dream. They make it to Canada and claim their freedom.
On his way “south,” Tom befriends a little girl named Eva. Eva asks her father to buy Tom so she can make him happy. Tom and Eva develop a close friendship as she grew. Eva was a special child that was wise beyond her years. She wanted her father to free their slaves because she believed it is wrong. Eva became sick. She realized her time was growing short. She died leaving everyone a lock of her hair and a broken heart.
Tom is overjoyed when promised his freedom by Master St Clare. However, he chooses to stay until Master St Clare becomes a Christian. Sadly, St Clare dies of a fatal stab wound before he could ever set Tom free.
All St Clare’s servants were sold and auctioned off. A cruel man named Simon Legree bought Tom. Tom soon became accustom to his new life. He was a hard worker and was used to giving his all. Secretly, Legree did not like Tom but wanted him to eventually become an overseer. Therefore, during the first few weeks, he proceeds to toughen Tom up.
On Legree’s plantation, Tom earned the title “Father Tom” which he so deserved. Later, when Tom refused to tell Legree the whereabouts of the runaway slaves, Legree proceeded to beat it out of him, almost killing him. Nevertheless, Tom stood fast, even offering his forgiveness.
By now, young Master George had grown up. He was out looking for his beloved Uncle Tom. Unfortunately, he arrived two days too late. He held Tom one last time before Tom acquired his freedom and died.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin was an enlightening and adventurous read. I believe the book accurately reflected the images and character of that era. It was well worth my time and I would recommend it to anyone. The only negative I found was the organization of the material. At time, I found that it was difficult to follow.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin is a book that I will encourage my children to read. Throughout history we are taught all the “pretty” things about ourselves. I think Uncle Tom’s Cabin sheds some light on a grim period of our history. I hope tomorrow’s children never forget yesterdays tragedies.
