Uncle Toms Cabin Definition

Or life among the lowly is an anti slavery novel by american author harriet beecher stowe.

Uncle toms cabin definition. Published in 1852 the novel had a profound effect on attitudes toward african americans and slavery in the u s. Start studying uncle tom s cabin. The character was seen by many readers as a ground breaking humanistic portrayal of a slave one who uses nonresistance and gives his life to protect others who have escaped from slavery.

A novel with a definite purpose. History and etymology for uncle tom. First edition first issue as per bal.

Jewett company 1852. It paints a grim picture of life under slavery. Uncle tom s cabin is an abolitionist novel by harriet beecher stowe that was published in serialized form in the united states in 1851 52 and in book form in 1852.

And is said to have helped lay the groundwork for the civil war. But since the novel s indictment of slavery was no longer congenial to an increasingly white society rewrites changed uncle tom from a martyr who gave his life to protect the people into a sentimental dope who was loyal to kindly masters. Theatrical productions of uncle tom s cabin played throughout the nadir post civil war and reconstruction.

Uncle tom is the title character of harriet beecher stowe s 1852 novel uncle tom s cabin. There had been an abolitionistpress operating in the united states for decades publishing passionate works advocating the elimination of slavery. She wanted to portray the evils of enslavement in a way that would make a large part of the american public relate to the issue.

This led to the use of uncle tom sometimes. However the character also came to be seen especially based on his portrayal in pro slavery dramatizations as inappropriately subservient to white slaveholders. Learn vocabulary terms and more with flashcards games and other study tools.