Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin | Introduction, Summary and Conclusion | Nineteenth Century American Literature

Q: Show the survival history of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe.

“Uncle Tom’s Cabin”; or, “Life Among the Lowly” is an anti-slavery novel by American author Harriet Beecher Stowe. Published in two volumes in 1852, the novel had a profound effect on attitudes toward African Americans and slavery in the U.S., and is said to have “helped lay the groundwork for the [American] Civil War.” The novel follows the struggles and sufferings of Uncle Tom, an enslaved African American, highlighting the inhumanity of slavery. Moreover, the book and the play, it inspired helped popularize a number of negative stereotypes about black people, including that of the namesake character “Uncle Tom”.

In the novel, it follows the life of Uncle Tom, a kind and devout black slave. Sold to different owners, he endures hardships but remains steadfast in his faith. Eliza, another slave, escapes to save her son from being sold, experiencing harrowing challenges. The novel depicts the brutal realities of slavery and evokes empathy and outrage. Tom’s ultimate sacrifice and unwavering faith highlight the moral and spiritual dilemmas of the time. A notable quote is, “Is there not a God above all? Is there not a God of justice and of vengeance?” This quote reflects Uncle Tom’s unwavering faith in divine justice despite the suffering he endures. It underscores his belief that God will ultimately right the wrongs of slavery and punish the wicked.

To conclude, Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” profoundly influenced America’s view on slavery, emphasizing moral and spiritual dilemmas. Its vivid portrayal of the brutal realities of slavery elicited empathy and outrage, contributing to the abolitionist movement. Critic James Baldwin commented, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin is a very bad novel, having, in its self-righteous, virtuous sentimentality, much in common with Little Women.” Despite its literary flaws, its historical impact remains undeniable, highlighting the power of literature in social reform.