Uncle Toms Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe - Misery of Slavery Exposed :: Uncle Toms Cabin

Misery of Slavery Exposed in Uncle Toms confine Harriet Beacher Stowes Uncle Toms Cabin addresses the issue of thrall in close accordance with the bearing of Frederick Douglas narrative. A theme that Stowe impresses strongly upon the reader is the degenerative effects of knuckle downry upon both the slave and the master. Frequently in the novel the issue is embossed . Even Mrs. Shelby recognizes the depravity and admits that slavery, is a bitter, bitter, most ac worryingd thing- a curse to the master and a curse to the slave(45). The injustices of slavery are much identified in the novel but, of course, the practice is continued. Many of those involved in holding slaves are sensitive to the problem. Mr. Shelby, for instance, is not contented by the theme but enjoys the benefits out of what he deems necessity. The inherent problem of slavery is over again stated when John Van Trompe is being described. His worn appearance is attributed to the , whole kit of a system equally bad for oppressor and oppressed,(105). The novel also deftly demonstrates the absurdities and contradictions of slavery. For instance, Mr. Shelbys actions are strongly contradictory to his statements. He believes himself to be a practised Christian man with a genuine respect for his slaves. Yet the event that he holds slaves opposes all that he says and although his treatment of slaves is better than most masters, he still is not respectful of them. For example, in the first chapter when Shelby and Haley are discussing the turn out trade, Harry enters the room and Shelby has him dance around like a merry andrew and then tosses raisins at him. Also, Mr. Harris, a slave owner, in defense of his relocating George asserts that, its a free country sir the mans mine,(24). It is also ironic that after George invents a railroad car to clean hemp the employer congratulates not George, but Georges master for owning such a fine slave. Another example that effectively illustrates the stro ng contradictions and absurdities of slavery and slave owners is the philosophy of Haley concerning the proper treatment of slaves. Haley, whose practice is to buy and sell plenty asserts that, its always best to do the humane thing,(16) and that it is good to have a conscience, just a little, you know, to swear by,(13). Another topic often address in the novel is exclusion of blacks in the law and the injustice of the accurate condition.