Christianity is a strong theme throughout the beginning of the novel. While we may consider that this is merely a sign of the times, we must also consider its greater influence. Beecher Stowe seems to be trying to influence her readers into believing that slavery shouldn't be socially acceptable, and by using a theme of christianity, she draws all members of society towards her beliefs, as christianity is a shared value between balck men and white men alike. Although a woman, Ms. Bird appeals to her husband's choice as a politician by telling him, "I don't know anything about politics, but I can read my Bible; and there I see that I must feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfor the desolate; and that Bible I mean to follow."(72) Later protagonist Tom tries to comfort his wife saying "I'm in the Lord's hands,"(85) This isn't merely a connection within the novel, however, a suggested bond that is shared by all of humanity. Perhaps it is even suggested by Beecher Stowe that those who do not posses salvation are inhumane, and therefore is why they insist that slavery is acceptable. Despite Beecher Stowe's underlying tone, there is no doubt that she uses christianity as a bond to sway her readers.
Good post! I totally agree. I think that Beecher Stowe's Christian views are clearly evident in the novel, and definitely think she is trying to appeal to people through using Christianity as a main focal point. Christianity was something that united the nation back then, as even ,many of those who did own slaves professed Christianity. Both black and white had a strong base of Christianity at their core, and Beecher Stowe is attempting to appeal to this. I feel you are correct in your assumption that she portrays Christians as more humane, because even a slave owner like Mr. Shelby is portrayed as a kind and just man, despite his owning slaves. I feel that Beecher Stowe found the perfect conduit to spread her message and knew that if she brought in the ideas of people's Christian duty and following the words of Christ, she would reach many more people.
ReplyDeleteWhat characters does Stowe represent as inhumane? I wonder, too, about characters who don't profess a faith--how might Stowe encourage us to interpret them?
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you connected Ms. Bird's religious views and Tom's religious views but, I did not think that Christianity was a shared value among everyone in the book, especially some of the white males who were not very religious.
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