Analysis Of Uncle Tom's Cabin By Harriet Stowe

In Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” for Wordsworth Classics, she argues against slaves system. Also, she believes this would do more harm than good. Furthermore, Stowe indicates it by different ways.

Women and men hardly have the same characteristics in the Stowe’s work. Masters like Mr. Haley are selfish and gruff. As Stowe’s words “swaggering air of pretension”, “over-dressed”, and “His hands, large and coarse, were plentifully bedecked with rings; and he wore a heavy gold watch-chain, with a bundle of seals of portentous size, and a great variety of colours…” (Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe page1). Mr. Shelby is another rich master in this book. Although he has to trade his slaves to keep running the farm, he owns a whole farm at least. On the one hand, he is rare kind master at that time. On the other hand, he is still unable to be a perfect master since he needs to repay a huge debt. In contrast, Mrs. Stowe portrays women in a more detailed way. Women in this book seldom deal with big matters logically. They prefer to solve everything emotionally. Mrs. Shelby never understands how poor the situation her husband suffering is
– “You know your master never deals with those Southern traders” (Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe page11). When Eliza comes to her for pleasing not let Mr. Shelby trade her son Harry, the only thing Mrs. Shelby can do is to let Eliza not cry and trust Mr. Shelby. Mrs. Shelby cannot offer any help since she is convinced that the relationship between slaves and them is permanent harmonic. Moreover, there is another white woman called Aunt Chloe who is a head cook. It is really difficult for readers to imagine that she can show off her skill of cooking pancake for a whole night. As Mrs. Stowe says, “and didn’t I see de Gineral pass his plate three times for some more datbery pie?” (Uncle Tom’s

Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe page 25). In short, women really do not pay too much attention on their living circumstances.

Tom does not fit with the rest of the men in the book. Tom is a loyal Christianity. As Eliza’s husband, George, decided to run to the Canada to avoid the controlling of the masters, Tom faces the similar problem by following the order of the Mr. Shelby – “No, no I an’t going. Let Eliza go – it’s her right.” (Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe page37). Tom does not rebel or do anything which masters do not allow to. In contrast, he works hard and devote himself to all of his masters. He will do anything that is helpful for the farm. He acts so simply that he can be considered as “women” in this book. He persists in believing the God even before dead.

Finally, Women deal matters in an emotional way; however, men, except Tom, finish any work directly and ruthlessly and only measure their own profits.
Mr. Haley trades slaves with Mr. Shelby; George is unsatisfied with his master and he would even like to leave without his wife and son. The only way to explain the kindness of men is because they can see the potential benefits from others. It is clear that women are moral stronger in this book which supports that they should have the rights to make many their own decisions. Mrs. Shelby does not agree the slave trade until the last second; Eliza always considers her son first whatever happens. Aunt Chloe is not willing to treat black children well but all she wants is applause for her cooking skill. Mrs. Stowe uses this kind of contrast to emphasize the feminism
faintly.