Cultural Interactions
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Thesis
Uncle Tom's Picture Book
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center Collection
Uncle Tom's Cabin Song
"Something That Will Astonish England"
Uncle Tom's Cabin Film
By Irene Chen
a). Uncle Tom's Cabin conveys the anti-transcendental belief that individual truths are often disturbing or deceiving through the different mediums used to interpret the story; the picture book incorporates poems centered around pivotal points in the story, thus revealing plot twists and character developments. Additionally, the picture book supports the southern myth that southerners live on plantations by providing examples of Harry and his mother and Uncle Tom being sold by their master to a trader however, it disproves the generalization that ALL slave owners are cruel because Eva's father is mentioned with the intentions to set Uncle Tom free.
Finally, images of Uncle Tom's cabin portray how abolition is essential to restore the free American society.
b). Upon examination of the numerous images, I was impressed by the illustration of Uncle Tom as a self-made man on the stage posters because it implied that Uncle Tom was a dignified character that deserved respect. On a broader spectrum, I was surprised at the plethora of methods used to communicate a common message to different audiences.
By Hena Lee
a). From the images and art shown, this time period visually conveys more than just white superiority, but also expressed the hardships the slaves had to face individually within family, each other, and their future. Their lives become impacted and scared throughout their lives and they will forever remember what it means to be a slave, which also impacts future generations.
b). It was surprising to see an image of an angle, who is most likely Eva, that symbolized freedom and peace. Although she is not a slave, she embodies leaving suffering and forgetting her struggles. This also symbolizes how slaves can also leave their past sufferings and have peace after going through such hardships.