Please understand the irony of the post title. While I believe that women have the right to vote and hold many of the same jobs as men, I am not a feminist. Stowe, on the other hand, believed the feminine race to be more morally pure than their male counterparts—and her book shows it.
Just a small glimpse of Uncle Tom’s Cabin will confirm Stowe’s bias. Other than the religious, loveable Uncle Tom, the male characters of the book are rather soiled whereas the females are painted as moral, righteous philosophers.
Let’s compare Stowe’s description of some couples to prove my point, shall we?
Mr. & Mrs. Shelby
Mr. and Mrs. Shelby are the original owners of Uncle Tom, Eliza, and little Harry. The first chapters introduce ‘the House’ where the Shelby’s live in northern Kentucky. Mr. Shelby is described as having “the appearance of a gentleman,” yet he has fallen into debt with a rather shady character. Though he vehemently clings to his “humanity”, Mr. Shelby acts otherwise by selling his favorite slaves to cover the debt. The sale takes place without Mrs. Shelby’s knowledge, to ensure the sale goes through. Shelby claims no religion, believing his wife is religious enough for them both. Mrs. Shelby, as previously mentioned, is a religious woman with a kind, compassionate heart. She has raised her slaves like children, encouraging them to care for and love their children. Though married to a slave owner, Stowe reveals to us that Mrs. Shelby is quite the abolitionist. Under her direction slaves delay Haley in following Eliza, whose flight she praises.
Mr. and Mrs. Shelby are the original owners of Uncle Tom, Eliza, and little Harry. The first chapters introduce ‘the House’ where the Shelby’s live in northern Kentucky. Mr. Shelby is described as having “the appearance of a gentleman,” yet he has fallen into debt with a rather shady character. Though he vehemently clings to his “humanity”, Mr. Shelby acts otherwise by selling his favorite slaves to cover the debt. The sale takes place without Mrs. Shelby’s knowledge, to ensure the sale goes through. Shelby claims no religion, believing his wife is religious enough for them both. Mrs. Shelby, as previously mentioned, is a religious woman with a kind, compassionate heart. She has raised her slaves like children, encouraging them to care for and love their children. Though married to a slave owner, Stowe reveals to us that Mrs. Shelby is quite the abolitionist. Under her direction slaves delay Haley in following Eliza, whose flight she praises.
Males: 0, Females 1
Uncle Tom & Aunt Chloe
Uncle Tom’s trustworthiness, compassion, humility, and religion set him apart from most of the other male characters of the book. He willingly, humbly sacrifices himself to protect his Master’s name and the other slaves. He is viewed as the religious leader, not only by the other slaves, but by the Shelby’s as well. Though Stowe does highlight some character flaws in Aunt Chloe—wanting the worst of Haley and doubting the goodness of God—the author’s criticisms toward the devoted servant is less strict than those toward her male characters. Overall, Aunt Chloe is seen as a good, moral character who exhibits some defiance and rebellion.
Uncle Tom’s trustworthiness, compassion, humility, and religion set him apart from most of the other male characters of the book. He willingly, humbly sacrifices himself to protect his Master’s name and the other slaves. He is viewed as the religious leader, not only by the other slaves, but by the Shelby’s as well. Though Stowe does highlight some character flaws in Aunt Chloe—wanting the worst of Haley and doubting the goodness of God—the author’s criticisms toward the devoted servant is less strict than those toward her male characters. Overall, Aunt Chloe is seen as a good, moral character who exhibits some defiance and rebellion.
Males: 1, Females: --well, we’ll give them a 1.5
George & Eliza Harris
Here’s a stark contrast in one couple—in more ways than one. George proclaims equal rights and denounces his Master’s country and religion. The hardships of his life have, in turn, made the young man hard, though Stowe does allow the readers to peek at George’s soft heart. Eliza willingly accepts her position as a slave in the Shelby home and, were it not for the sale of her son, would be content to live as part of the family forever. She is a religious lady, encouraging her husband to seek the Lord and trust his moving. Her moral reasoning for running is continually justified by Stowe through the characters that aid Eliza in her escape. Again, the male of the relationship is seen as morally weak and dependent on his wife for religious leadership.
Here’s a stark contrast in one couple—in more ways than one. George proclaims equal rights and denounces his Master’s country and religion. The hardships of his life have, in turn, made the young man hard, though Stowe does allow the readers to peek at George’s soft heart. Eliza willingly accepts her position as a slave in the Shelby home and, were it not for the sale of her son, would be content to live as part of the family forever. She is a religious lady, encouraging her husband to seek the Lord and trust his moving. Her moral reasoning for running is continually justified by Stowe through the characters that aid Eliza in her escape. Again, the male of the relationship is seen as morally weak and dependent on his wife for religious leadership.
Men: 1, Women: 2.5
Senator & Mrs. Bird
Ah, the Senator—nothing more can be said of this chapter than irony. Once again, the wife shows moral reasoning and dominance over her husband as Mrs. Bird disputes her husband’s political support of the Fugitive Slave Law. Senator Bird fumbles and blushes over his words, leaving his wife the winner.
Ah, the Senator—nothing more can be said of this chapter than irony. Once again, the wife shows moral reasoning and dominance over her husband as Mrs. Bird disputes her husband’s political support of the Fugitive Slave Law. Senator Bird fumbles and blushes over his words, leaving his wife the winner.
Men: 1, Women: 3.5
Augustine & Marie St. Clare
Now, those of you who have read the book may wonder what I’m going to do with Augustine and Marie. I believe Stowe’s intention was to (finally) introduce a negative feminine character—truly Marie St. Clare’s selfish piety stains her outward beauty. While Augustine is not a completely positive character (he readily admits that he will not take any side on the slave question), he does front some rather important, pointed questions to his wife and cousin concerning the humanity of slavery.
Now, those of you who have read the book may wonder what I’m going to do with Augustine and Marie. I believe Stowe’s intention was to (finally) introduce a negative feminine character—truly Marie St. Clare’s selfish piety stains her outward beauty. While Augustine is not a completely positive character (he readily admits that he will not take any side on the slave question), he does front some rather important, pointed questions to his wife and cousin concerning the humanity of slavery.
Men: 2, Women: 3.5
So, the score seems pretty even so far, but we should also add to the females the sweet angel, Evangeline (Eva) St. Clare, Miss Ophelia (we must admit, though she is quiet, she is not bad), and the two Quaker women. For the men, we can add the Quaker, Mr. Halliday.
That brings the score to: Men: 3, Women: 7.5
I have to admit, it’s not as lop-sided as I initially thought, we’ll have to see how it goes.
(744)
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