Thursday, February 9, 2012
Final Thoughts on Uncle Tom's Cabin
This is the second time that I've read Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. At first, I had a difficult time trying to wrap my head around all of the different "coincidental occurrences" that occur in the book, such as Eliza and George miraculously meeting up after running away, Uncle Tom dying in George Shelby's arms, and Cassy revealing that she is Eliza's mother. Upon further reflection, however, I think that the Stowe used the reconciliations/revelations to create a specific feeling (empathy, sorrow, joy) in the reader, rather than to make the book a happy-go-lucky fairytale ending. I think that we, as modern readers, are often too harsh when judging Stowe. Yes, the book is overly sentimental and sometimes unrealistic but it is also a great human interest piece. There are many contemporary artists who utilize shock or manipulation of emotion to affect the reader. I always think of the book Fast Food Nation, which was so jarring and upsetting that I almost became a vegetarian (*almost*). Our culture likes books like this because they open our eyes to contemporary issues? My question then is didn't Uncle Tom's Cabin do the same thing?
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I agree Maria. Sometimes you have to look past the obvious foibles of the book and realize the message that Stowe was trying to impart. After all, Lincoln did say she was the "little lady who started the Civil War." Thanks for wrapping that up, I was beginning to not like Uncle Tom's Cabin, so I'm glad you brought up those points. The reader has to be aware of the circumstances and time in which the book was written and appreciate her point of view. If it wasn't controversial we probably wouldn't give it a second glance!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis was a super interesting blog post! Stowe definitely plays on our emotions and uses pulling our heartstrings to her advantage, but modern day books use this same tactic. Its interesting how politicians today even do this, but when they do, it seems dishonest and unfair. Almost like "Hey! Don't tell me how to feel! And then don't make me feel guilty for not feeling what you wanted me to feel."
ReplyDeleteI was not impressed with the ending of Uncle Tom's Cabin. It has too many "coincidental occurrences: George finding his sister; Cassey finding Eliza; etc. It was too much for me and I felt it was unrealistic. Although I disliked it, the ending did not change the fact that I was horrified by the stories of slavery throughout the book. So, I would agree it was a great human interest piece; the end was just too neat.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely enjoyed reading your blog! I would have to agree--that Stowe plays with our emotions, maybe a little too much for that matter. It all still happens today even, with politics, families, and social class.
ReplyDeleteWell thank you for the nice complements. :)
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