| Rationale: |
To critique a novel with a set idea or guideline in mind is not truly to critique, but to direct the novel towards what the critic wants or believes it to say. In order to fully appreciate and understand a novel, one must look for each possible meaning behind the scenes and words themselves. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin has been both admired and accused of being feminist, abolitionist and Christian in theme and purpose. The ability of this novel to remain so important in literary studies, however, surely can not be derived solely from one of these ideas. Rather, the book contains the influence of a number of ideas and issues.
In this hypertext project, I will use the scene in Chapter XXVI of Volume II. Here, Eva is lying in her deathbed and has called her family and their servants to be with her. Eva then begins to speak to each of them as group and individually to Topsy, a young slave girl whom Eva befriends, and Mammy, Eva's caregiver. Using this scene, I will draw out and focus on statements that are made and actions that are performed which support my idea that this book is not simply just an attempt at Christian conversion, feminist influence or promotion of slavery abolishment. It is here that many “issues” are brought forth and shared with readers; it is a moment that gives power to the ideas of numerous critics.
Along with these more obvious themes and ideas, I will also use this segment of the text to point out other significant features that have been cause for the popularity of this novel. Using the method of deconstruction, we will follow the pages of this site to explore the many possible interpretations of this scene, one of, if not the, most powerful events found within the boundaries of this novel.
Throughout this site, and as you proceed through each link of the text, you will notice a particular attention given to the Christian influences found in this scene. It is my belief that Chirstianity is the most prominent theme during this "event." The feminist and abolitionist viewpoints are present, however, and I feel that even their presence adds support to my claim that this is a Christian scene in both story and conversion efforts. The story is one familiar to many who are aquainted with the Christian tradition, and Stowe uses Eva to speak directly to her audience on the righteousness and goodness in Christ-like living. Christ served and loved all that were around him, regardless of class, race or gender. In the eyes of Stowe, to act like Christ is to support both feminist and abolitionist causes.
Because Stowe has written to support feminist and abolitionist ideas, each of these influences have down-graded the power of the other. The scene that we will explore is an emotional, "gushy" scene that, according to reviews, only a woman could write. For this reason, the validity of the entire text was questioned and both the Christian and abolitionist views were weakened in return. Likewise, this book was both credited and accused of "causing the Civil War," and so many could not look past the abolitionist views to see its feminist and, most prominent, Christian themes.
Before moving into the text, I will also explain
to you what is meant by "feminist" and "abolitionist" ideas. By feminism
I am not speaking of a drive towards female power and dominance.
I am instead speaking of equality between the genders and a recognition
that women are as capable as men in every way. Similarly, to have
an abolitionist outlook means that one is working towards promoting and
recognizing equalities in the races. If blacks and whites are equal,
then slavery is wrong. No one should be in control or have power
over another. This notion happens to apply to the feminist ideas
as well. Jesus believed these things and so he lived his life accordingly,
which is why we are able to connect these ideas of Christianity, feminism
and abolitionism together so easily and clearly. In the end of the
novel, Stowe spoke of a need to "feel right" in order to live as good Christians.
It is this right feeling which she hopes will enable all people to have
the views and ideas that she does.
Text University of Virginia-Uncle Tom's Cabin Biography of Harriet Beecher Stowe