How was slavery presented in Uncle Tom's cabin
In "Uncle Tom's Cabin," slavery is portrayed as a deeply unjust and inhumane institution. Harriet Beecher Stowe depicts the horrors and cruelty of slavery through various characters and their experiences.
The main protagonist, Uncle Tom, is a compassionate and religious African American man who is enslaved on a Kentucky plantation. His strong faith and willingness to endure physical abuse and separation from his family highlight the resilience and dignity of enslaved people. Uncle Tom's love for his fellow slaves, even in the face of their suffering, reflects his noble character.
Other characters, such as Eliza Harris, her son Harry, and George Harris, also provide examples of the hardships endured by enslaved individuals. Eliza's desperate escape with her young son across the icy Ohio River demonstrates the lengths to which enslaved people would go to seek freedom. George Harris, Eliza's husband, represents a self-liberated slave who manages to buy his freedom and become a successful businessman in Canada.
Stowe also exposes the dehumanizing effects of slavery through the character of Uncle Tom's cruel master, Simon Legree. Legree's sadistic mistreatment of Uncle Tom, and his casual brutality towards other enslaved individuals, serve as a stark contrast to the moral and compassionate behavior of the enslaved characters. This portrayal aims to evoke sympathy and outrage among readers.
Overall, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" portrays slavery as a deeply unjust system, highlighting the physical, emotional, and spiritual toll it takes on enslaved individuals. Stowe's intent was to humanize slaves, challenge pro-slavery arguments, and arouse public sentiment against the institution of slavery.