Thursday, February 2, 2012
A Little More Like Eva
As we continue to read Uncle Tom's Cabin, I find myself more like Eva, which really surprises me. The way that Eva, shows love, affection, and acceptance is how I have been since a young age. Growing up it was easy for me to love other people and to accept the differences that others had. I think this was mainly because of my past and the fact that all I wanted was to be "liked". I formed friendships with every person, it didn't matter to me what they looked like, what race they were, or anything. I find it very admirable that Eva, at such a young age can see the good in people--though at times she might be naive, I think she feels that every person can touch someone elses life and find the love in others. Every person deserves self-worth and to be respect by others, but I think in this situation it all starts within yourself. If you can find love, and peace in your own skin then nothing should limit you to try new things or do something that no one else will...be bold and be proud of everything you are capable of.
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ReplyDeleteI love that! Eva was the only one who had ever told Topsy that she was loved and could be lovable. Eva is the "Christlike figure," but she it is the loving human that has changed Topsy, not religion. Well religion indirectly, because that is what she has learned from her love of Christ.
ReplyDeleteI really like what you said about Eva. I do think she symbolizes the positive aspects of humanity and in many ways, serves as a role model for females. The only problem with Eva is that Stowe kills her, which makes me have mixed feelings. I understand Eva's death is important and draws on Christ's death; however, there is a part of me that wished Eva lived and embodied love and kindness throughout her life.
ReplyDeleteI love your post so much. Initially I was butting against the religious aspect of Eva. Your post has made me realize that I had been reading it with a closed mind all along. By taking it out of its original context and making it personal, you have opened my eyes. And I believe that you are correct. Yes, Eva is a little naive, but she is a child. And also, I think that that's kind of what Stowe is saying: that maybe if society itself were a little more child-like: pure of heart and maybe a little naive, the society would begin to heal similarly to the way Eva was able to save to Topsy, and indirectly, save Ophelia who had overheard the conversation between Topsy and Eva. Thank you for this post.
ReplyDeleteI adore Eva. She's the sweetest little thing. I love that you relate to her in terms of niceness and acceptance and love. More people should be like that. :)
ReplyDeleteI love what you said about Eva. Though Naive, her unconditional for for everyone is admirable, and the adults in this book could benefit from being a little more like her. The religious comparisons to her character is the only one I do agree with.
ReplyDeleteI'm beginning to think I'm the only one in class that is annoyed by Eva's existence as a character. I'm fine with that, though, because I love hating things.
ReplyDeleteI strongly believe that Eva is as "good" as she is because she has religion and white skin; I believe, at least, that that is what Stowe is trying to portray. Topsy has not religion, nor does she have white skin, and she is hell on earth until she finds religion through Eva. Because of this, I'm lead to believe that Stowe is saying two things... 1. people are unable to be moral without religion 2. white children (at least given the time, though I do think this statement is prevalent in modern times, as well) are more susceptible to religion because they are shown, naively, only the good of the world.
I think Katy's first point is actually right on the money--Stowe is saying that people can't be (or at least can't stay) moral without religion (specifically, Christianity).
ReplyDeleteI am not so ready to agree with the second statement. After all, most of the black characters in the book (so far) have been extremely religious (and not just the naive ones...). But that is a whole other can of worms.
Maria's point about how Eva's death foreclosed her maturity and exposure to more pain in life strikes me as relevant here. In fact, when she is confronted with evil, it weakens here (again, symbolically, slavery kills her).