I thought the first half of Uncle Tom's Cabin was heartbreaking; however, after finishing the novel I am astounded by what happened to the characters that I felt deep compassion for and the ability that Stowe exhibited in creating a masterpiece.
The second half of the novel allowed me to feel more appreciation and compassion for Eva and Tom. These two characters continued to be my favorite characters in the novel. Each had to live with their own hardships; however, Stowe made them quite likeable and almost too good to be true. They lived pious, compassionate lives that most of us hope we live. I was shocked by their deaths. Although, I was not as surprised by Tom's, it was still painful to read. Stowe was smart in creating these wonderful characters; however, showing the reader that although they were close to perfect their lives were just as fragile as everyone else.
Religion played a larger role in this section of the novel. Although religion and faith are present throughout, I seemed to notice the discussions of Christ and faith more, especially with Eva and Tom.
Eva proclaims her religious faith and the good of Jesus Christ to anyone that will listen. She uses her love of Jesus to appease Topsy and make her feel better about her situation with Miss Ophelia. She tells Topsy that she and Jesus both love her. Eva even proclaims her death while she is on her death bed. She prays that the slaves can lead christian lives and continue to treat each other kindly.
Eva has unwavering faith, but Tom's faith surprisingly wavers throughout the second half of the novel. Tom begins the second half as pious as he was in the first. He prays for St. Clare when he cannot; thus helping St. Clare to find faith for himself. However, his faith begins to waver when he is sold to Legree. Legree is a terrible man and the heinous acts around Tom begin to take a toll. However, Tom is able to regain his faith when he is sees apparitions of Eva and Jesus on the separate occasions he begins to falter. After Tom's faith is regained he continues to spread the word of Jesus to anyone that will listen -- even to those that believe there is not God.
I think it was important for Stowe to show Tom as human. Tom lived a terrible life in slavery and his devotion to Christ was inspiring, yet it also seemed almost too good to be true. It is a normal feeling for humans to question and even to lose faith from time to time. Stowe showing Tom feel this way made him become a more real and sympathetic character.
Uncle Tom's Cabin was incredibly difficult to read, although I am glad I was given the opportunity to reread the novel. I read the novel in my undergraduate education and I think I was able to take more away this time. Stowe intelligently designed a classic that will continue to resonate, outrage, and instill compassion and the need for equality.
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9 comments:
Amy, I kept nodding in agreement as I read your post, but I especially enjoy your last sentence: "Stowe intelligently designed a classic that will continue to resonate, outrage, and instill compassion and the need for equality." I agree that this novel works to accomplish a great deal - both then, when it precipates a war and today when it still speaks to us.
I agree that Tom had to be seen as human. The audience that Stowe was writing to needed to be able to identify to the characters. Those that thought the story was melodramatic must not have seen the humanist side of the story. I think the characters of Tom and Eva were both more open to the spirituality than most. I think the author was using these characters to say the things she wanted to say to the country.
I agree, the second half of the novel brought so many emotions to the surface. Stowe did a wonderful job of getting her readers to feel the pain and harships that her characters were living. religion played a big role through out the novel, although I think Stowe really brought the true meaning of faith up front with Tom and Eva.
I agree that Tom must be seen as human, so his fleeting doubts make sense. Overall, he is the perfect Christian, and many would say that questioning faith and remaining faithful creates an even stronger faith.
Eva's character was amazing and to think she was only a child. She was very enlightened. Her little spirit changed so many lives. She so wanted her father to love God. Her love for Topsy was unconditional. How she was able to change this girl in a way that none of the adults could. Eva was able to speak to Topsy's soul.
I could not put the book down while reading the second part of the book. The faith that Tom and Eva had is the same faith I am trying to develop. Their stories really touched me deeply and I appreciate Stowe for creating them.
While Stowe attempted to show Tom as human, I still found his faith a bit unrealistic and suffocating. Something still rankled me as he took whatever his master handed out. Despite brutal beatings and ultimately death, Tom still won.
So much to talk about. I also saw religion playing a bigger role in part 2 of the novel. I think part of that had to do with the more difficult life that Tom was facing and how in these times, we do tend to cling to our faith as a way to cope. Eva was a good character. Her empahy is something that is incredible. Her feeling the pain of so many others reminds me of Secret Lives of Bees. One of the sisters, I can't recall her name, would bear the pain of others and had to go to the "wailing wall" on their farm and wail and pray for those who were suffering. At one point it is too much for her and she allows herself to die. Topsy is also a good character. I think in an interview with Elie Wiesel, who survived a concentration camp, said that after that oppression he had to know that he was capable of love. I see this in Topsy also. When you are oppressed in this way, it is important to love and know that you are lovable. Miss Ophelia finally gives her the peace of mind that she is lovable. What a gift.
I think that my faith would have done more than waver, had I been sold to Legree. I can't imagine living under such conditions. I know to turn to God, particularly durning the rough times, but I sure do think it would be hard to have faith under those circumstances.
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