The Wicked and Perpetuity of Slavery Theme in Uncle Tom’s Cabin Essay Example

Harriet Beecher Stowe was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, on June 14th, 1811. She later died July 1st, 1896, in Hartford, Connecticut, at the age of 85. Lyman Beecher, her father, was a presbyterian preacher. Her mother, Roxana Foote Beecher, died when she was only 5 years of age. Stowe had 12 siblings. Catherine Beecher was Stowe’s half-sister, and was one of the people that influenced Stowe throughout her lifetime. Catherine initiated the Hartford Female Seminary in 1823. Stowe attended Hartford as a student and later taught. Catherine also established the Western Female Institute, which Stowe had taught at as well. Many books Catherine wrote had been in the schools she founded. Stowe’s family had much love for writing. Stowe had lots of encouragement from many people, like her husband Calvin Ellis. Calvin and Stowe had 6 children, but sadly in 1851, their 1 ½ year old son died. After their son's death, Stowe wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin which was her way of sharing what it felt like when someone you loved got taken away from you. Uncle Tom’s Cabin talked about slavery, and the cruelity that came with it. It also mentioned the topic of death, and the sadness that followed. Some books Stowe had published were: Slavery Past and Present, Old Town Folks, and many Christmas and books over slavery. Most topics and themes she wrote about were equality and respect for others. I think that Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote these books because she wanted to see a better life than what she saw when slavery occurred. I think the death of her son made her think about the families that were affected by slavery, and what it felt like when someone you loved passed away or got taken away. 

I think the theme of Uncle Tom’s Cabin is the wicked and perpetuity of slavery. I say this because in the story it talks about how slaves were being sold and traded off just to work, and get treated horribly. In Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Tom gets hurt and killed throughout the story by Simon Legree, who is the antagonist. The story also talks about how slaves were trying to escape because of how badly they were being treated, and how some slaves died due to their owners or people who just hated them.

All things considered, Uncle Tom’s Cabin is an interesting book. The topic throughout the book is obviously a touchy subject to some people, but can be helpful as well. I think my theme of the book can relate to today because not everyone is nice to everyone, but it is what it is.