I just wanted to start off by saying that I believe that though this novel is a much darker piece of literature than what we've read before, I believe that the image of children in the novel are an image of hope and potential. In the beginning of the novel, Eliza was escaping for the sake of her son. He was going to be sold, taken from her and she wouldn't have it. In that, this boy is an image of hope in that because of him, freedom was the end goal. We also see the boy's compassion: "the boy wondered and grieved that she could not eat; and when, putting his arms round her neck, he tried to wedge some of his cake into her mouth, it seemed to her that the rising in her throat would choke her" (245). This boy's compassion and concern evoke a response of hope and potential not in the aspect of slavery but for humanity, that at such a young age, this child would tend to the needs of his mother.
I feel like in this story, though the horrors of slavery are discussed, there IS hope of a way out. When Eliza escaped and Sam and Andy were assisting Haley in the search for her Sam said that "I'd rather be 'clined to 'magine that Lizy'd take de dirt road" (251). In that, we see this support amongst the other slaves that they would willingly lead their master astray for a better chance of freedom. It's like they're saying "good for them for taking the opportunity to escape" and they're rooting for them the whole way. However, dealing with the realities of slavery in this time period was a very sensitive subject. We see the dark side and portrayal of slavery from Aunt Chloe before Uncle Tom goes "He owed ye yer freedom...I feel it's wrong. Nothing can't beat that ar out o' me. Sich a faithful crittur as ye've been..."(291). Injustice is seen here and the fact that Aunt Chloe knows she deserves freedom and no beating is going to change that, that sheds light on such a dark reality of this time. It is so hard to see the good and to see a "good" message come of this novel.
I think it is necessary though. Every piece of literature we've read so far has a good message, a good moral to it. This IS a good story with the GOOD message of facing the realities that slavery is horrible! However there were people of this time who did support slavery. I can imagine that this novel was the cause of much controversy of this time period.
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I made the same conclusion that children were viewed as “bundles of potential” and symbols of hope. But I also found there to be a differing view of children in the text. Eliza’s son is shown as the potential and hope for a future of freedom, freedom not only for himself, but for Eliza as well. But he also represents the potential of labor and success in Haley’s eyes.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that this novel is different but still presents ideas of hope and potential. Eliza herself and her son are the example of hope and potential for the future because they are fighting ruthlessly for their lives. I agree that showing that Eliza escaped across the river is an idea of hope.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you pointed out the idea of hope in the story. A lot of people focused on the negative parts of Uncle Tom's Cabin, and think you have to look deeper to see that glimmer of hope. I think the other stories we have read have hope in the character's struggles, but they are a bit more obvious.
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