Why was Uncle Tom’s Cabin written?

Why was Uncle Tom’s Cabin written?

The pen is mightier than the sword” by Edward Bulwer-Lytton

If there is a way that would best communicate one’s opinion and principles, it is through writing. Like Dr. Jose Rizal (Philippines) and Thomas Paine (British who migrated in the US), Harriet Beecher Stowe utilizes the power of the pen in her pursuit to change the social injustice that was prevalent in her society during her time. Aside from being a teacher and a writer, Stowe was an active American abolitionist which brought about her purpose in writing and publishing Uncle Tom’s Cabin. And when she was able to visit the White House in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln called her as the little woman who wrote the book that made this Great War” which was pertaining to the Civil War.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin; or, Life among the Lowly” is considered as the most famous anti-slavery novel that was ever written in the US which was published in 1852. It was the best-selling book in the 19th century next to the Bible, as well as the best-selling novel at that time. The novel revolves around the life and sufferings of an African American slave named Tom together with other characters – Eliza, Eva, and Simon Legree. In the novel, Tom was sold many times and during the process he has to endure physical violence done to him by his masters and slave drivers.

The central theme of the novel talks about the harsh truth of slavery while at the same time giving emphasis on the values of Christian beliefs. The novel also insinuates that Christianity denounces the wickedness of slavery, and through Christian love something as destructive as enslavement of another individual can be defeated.

In the end, Uncle Tom’s Cabin had served its purpose. It was able to influence the citizens of the United States in its fight against slavery and was able to attain both national and international recognitions.