15 Questions
What is Uncle Tom's Cabin considered to be?
An anti-slavery novel
What is significant about Uncle Tom's Cabin in American history?
It sold millions of copies upon its release
What is the contribution of Uncle Tom's Cabin to the U.S. Civil War?
It was a contributing cause to the U.S. Civil War
What is the central theme of the excerpt from Uncle Tom's Cabin?
The sale of Tom by his owner
How would a 19th-century historian analyze the excerpt from Uncle Tom's Cabin?
From a critical thinking and analysis perspective
What is unique about the perspective of the excerpt from Uncle Tom's Cabin?
It exposes facets of slavery and life in the South that folks north of the Mason-Dixon line had never heard before
What was the occasion when Tom got religion?
At a camp-meeting
What is the significance of the Mason-Dixon line in the context of Uncle Tom's Cabin?
It is the division between slave and free states
What did Haley have to say about religion in niggers?
He believed it was a valuable trait in a slave.
Why did Mr. Shelby trust Tom with large sums of money?
Because Tom was honest and pious.
What was Haley's attitude towards Mr. Shelby's proposal?
He was hesitant but open to negotiation.
What was the amount of money Tom was trusted with during his trip to Cincinnati?
Five hundred dollars
Why did Tom refuse to escape to Canada?
Because Mr. Shelby trusted him and he couldn't betray that trust.
What did Haley compare his conscience to?
A small amount of money.
Why was Mr. Shelby unwilling to sell his slaves?
Because he didn't want to part with them.
Study Notes
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
- Published in the 19th century, Uncle Tom's Cabin is one of the most popular works of historical fiction in American history.
- The novel exposed facets of slavery and life in the South that people in the North had never heard before.
- The story centers around the life and experiences of a slave named Tom.
Excerpt Analysis
- The excerpt features a conversation between Tom's owner, Mr. Shelby, and a trader, Haley, about potentially selling Tom.
- Mr. Shelby describes Tom as "an uncommon fellow" who is "steady, honest, capable, and manages my whole farm like a clock."
- Haley is hesitant to pay the desired sum, citing that Tom's value is based on his honesty, not just his capabilities as a slave.
Character Analysis
- Tom is depicted as a pious, gentle, and sensible individual who got religion at a camp-meeting four years prior to the conversation.
- Haley, on the other hand, is portrayed as a cunning trader who sees the value in a slave's religion, but not necessarily their humanity.
Themes and Context
- The excerpt highlights the theme of slavery and the dehumanizing effects it had on people.
- The conversation between Mr. Shelby and Haley exemplifies the commodification of slaves, treating them as mere assets to be bought and sold.
- The novel, written in the 19th century, sheds light on the harsh realities of slavery in the pre-Civil War era.
Analyze Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' as a 19th century historian, applying 19th century historiography styles and methods. This quiz assesses your understanding of historical fiction and its significance in the 19th century.
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