Uncle Tom's Cabin - Day 1

 

Angel is currently reading Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe as part of her American History & Literature study.  The book is recommended by several well known homeschool curricula including, Higher Up and Further In, Ambleside Online, Beautiful Feet, TruthQuest, and Veritas Press to name a few. 

In my never ending quest to be educated, I've decided to read along.  I will be hosting a book study right here throughout my endeavor.  Please join me in reading along.  Then log on and comment in regard to Uncle Tom's Cabin. 

My reading plan is tentatively scheduled as follows....


Day 1 - Chapter 1
Day 2 - Chapters 2-3
Day 3 - Chapters 4-6
Day 4 & 5 - Chapters 7-9
Day 6 & 7 - Chapters 10-16
Day 8 - Chapters 17-20
Day 9 & 10 - Chapters 21-26
Day 11 & 12 - Chapters 27-35
Day 13, 14, & 15 - Chapters 36-45

I intend to post at the end of assigned readings, Monday - Friday, leaving the weekends for catch-up if needed. As you can see, my goal is to finish the book in three weeks.  I plan to pace myself and may need to alter the schedule if it becomes too intense as we still have our crazy life to live here at Drywood Creek :) 

Please consider joining in.....

Day 1 - Chapter 1

I don't know about you, but I'm hooked.  The thought of Mr. Shelby selling Harry brought me to tears.  As a mother, I was imagining not having a say in the life of one of my children because someone of another color viewed me as less than human.   At first, it appeared that Mr. Shelby may be a respectable man as far as slave owners went.  But as the conversation went on and he referenced Haley keeping quiet so as not to "get out among my boys", as well as the thought of him sweet talking his wife to sell her servant's child, appalled me.  I totally sensed Mr. Shelby felt superior to blacks.

As for Haley, I despised him from the get go.  He was arrogant and greedy.  I believe Mrs. Stowe portrayed Haley's character in this light as a way to show the worst qualities of Negro-traders at that time.  It was apparent that Mr. Shelby was some how indebted to Haley and it appeared as though Haley would stop at nothing to get his way.  His comments such as "....you Kentucky folks spile your niggers." and "These critters ain't like white folks..." are despicable.  I believe the second quote was a way of justifying his actions.  Calling slaves "critters" like they were some type of varmint to be easily disposed of. 

What were your thoughts?