Uncle Tom's Cabin in Review

Moral character is often deficient in many of the characters in Uncle Tom's Cabin; others are shaped into new individuals. Ms. St. Claire was raised in a very rich family within the Southern States. Her interests in money and state of depression seem to affect her moral convictions the most in regards to her life with Eva and Mr. St. Claire. Her downtrodden attitude, despite her Christian beliefs showcases her entitlement to her belief of superiority. She does not have any interest in the individuals in her household that help manage her care -- leaving Mammy little sleep during the nights. Eva asks her mother if she could let Mammy rest and her mother replies that there is no need. On the other hand, George Harris has strong abilities to love others. This was not so when he was in Kentucky under the influence of a slave owner, however; as the story unfolds and he departs to Canada with his wife and son, his moral character takes on a great new flourish; and he demands pride for Africans. (Stowe)

Mr. Shelby, Mr. St. Claire, and Mr. Legree are all slave owners and traders of Uncle Tom. They all want the best work out of their slaves, and Mr. Shelby and Mr. St. Claire do their best to treat their slaves with kindness. They do not justify harm to their slaves, unless under severe terms. Mr. Legree on the other hand has no compassion for his slaves. They are not truly people to him, just "niggers" in society meant to honor him. He tells his slaves over and over again to follow him and worship him, as though he deserves to be deemed their God. I believe Mr. Shelby and Mr. St. Claire treat their slaves the way that they would want to be treated, leaving little moral hierarchy. However, Mr. Legree definitely has his own ideals of moral hierarchy when it comes to the treatment of business and slaves.

Stowe is very clear in her ability to decipher and interpret Christian morals and standards to a reader. I can only imagine a non-Christian reader engaging in this book and having a true understanding of God's love that is shared through characters like Eva and Uncle Tom; whose moral convictions are never failing and who both honor others the way that Jesus has taught us. Eva understands that the color of someone's skin doesn't determine their ability to love and be loved. Uncle Tom understands how important it is to follow the Lord and does not falter in his beliefs, even when Mr. Legree is punishing him for not beating other slaves for their wrongdoing (Stowe). Uncle Tom is punished severely for his beliefs in the Lord, yet remains firm in his convictions that he will follow the word of the Lord and the Bible. The biggest change comes from George Shelby, when after Uncle Tom's death; he proclaims all of the slaves on his plantation to be free, since he sees them all as equals and wants them to have a free life that they are deserving of. He shows the most moral conviction in this act, affecting a large amount of people.

Works Cited

Stowe, Harriet Beecher. Uncle Tom's Cabin. 2004. Barnes and Noble Classics. New York. New York.

http://angel02.gcu.edu/section/default.asp?id=114979. Acquired November 24, 2009.

http://angel02.gcu.edu/section/default.asp?id=114979. Acquired November 24, 2009.