Uncle Tom's Cabin Newsletter
Kyle Sanborn and Luke Thomson
Thesis
Uncle Tom's Cabin explores cultural interactions in America during the 1850s by recording the interactions of the novel's characters with people representing the full spectrum of American beliefs during this time period in order to support the abolitionist movement.
Uncle Tom and Eva appear happy and satisfied around each other.This was a radically pro-abolitionist view as many abolitionists were still racist.
In this image Uncle Tom has an expression of anger and ferocity on his face. This would be a pro-slavery viewpoint since it portrays slaves as dangerous individuals.
Displaying a whipping scene, this would not be a particularly pleasant jar, even for slave owners at the time. It can be interpreted that it demonizes the African "race", because they cause harm to each other, rather than the master doing the punishing. But his jar was would most likely intended for abolitionists, as it shows an angel ready for Tom, making him equally if not more human than his master.
This ad displays characters in Uncle Tom's Cabin with different flowers, and accentuates their personality. A description at the bottom enhances their personalities. This pro-abolitionist ad accentuates and equalizes both "races".
(extension of first photo)
Uncle Tom is displayed as a light hearted man who enjoys luxuries such as tobacco from the time, as it was too expensive for slave owners to buy for their slaves.
Kyle's Article
Luke's Article
The image of Uncle Tom sitting with little Eva on his knee is reminiscent of a paternal figure teaching his daughter. This goes against the stereotypes of the day since the slave is depicted as "part of the family," but does not openly attack the idea of the separateness of races, making it more acceptable as it is not a direct confrontation.
Surprisingly, although Uncle Tom is the central character, Eva is often shown as prominently as Tom.