Uncle Tom's Cabin - Day 13-15

Day 13-15, Chapters 36-45

Well, we've come to the end of Uncle Tom's Cabin and it's bittersweet.  I usually like the satisfaction of finishing things, but finishing this book was different.  I feel a little bit like I've lost a friend.  I felt such an attachment to the characters in Uncle Tom's Cabin.  This is definitely what you'd call a living book.  It's made a huge impact on our family. 

"Tom gazed, in awe and wonder, at the majestic patience of the face; the deep, pathetic eyes thrilled him to his inmost heart; his soul woke, as, with floods of emotion, he stretched out his hand and fell upon his knees, - when, gradually, the vision changed; the sharp thorns became rays of glory; and, in splendor inconceivable, he saw that same face bending compassionately towards him, and a voice said,  "He that overcometh shall sit down with me on my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my father on his throne."     --- Chapter 38, page 388-389 Uncle Tom's Cabin

I thought this scene was profound.  Tom was so strong in his faith up to that point, but when he began to falter, the Lord spoke and gave him the comfort and strength to carry on.  Harriet Beecher Stowe portrayed Tom's likeness to Christ in his willingness to die for the salvation of others. 

Then to top it off, in what would seem his darkest hour, Tom forgave his tormentors...."and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who trespass against us."  I was absolutely dumb struck by the beauty of this dark moment. And then Sambo and Quimbo accepting Christ and Tom praying for their salvation...oh my.   I just stopped....at the end of Chapter 40, I just stopped reading.  The Farmer and I looked at each other.  The kids were quiet.  There was stillness and silence....a pause.  It just happened, and seems so fitting now thinking back.

I've learned patience from Uncle Tom's Cabin.  I've learned about peace and contentment when one believes in the Lord.  It isn't that I didn't know these things before reading this book.  It's just that I feel them on a deeper level now.  I found the book to be spiritually healing....and this was the sweetness in the bittersweet. 

Please consider reading Uncle Tom's Cabin, the full unabridged version, by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Then leave a comment here about how it affected your life. 

Uncle Tom's Cabin - Day 11 & 12

Day 11 & 12 - Chapters 27-35

Have you ever been so close and yet so far away from your heart's desire?  Were you able to sustain the faith of Tom?  I am so inspired by this book!  However, it's a difficult read emotionally.  One minute I'm up, the next I'm way down.  First Eva, then St. Clare....it was almost too much!!  And, that dreadful Marie....what a snot!!  Riley and Ruben were so turned off by her, they could no longer bear to listen.  They ask what's happening on a regular basis so I've been summarizing. 

I just knew that Tom would be sold to some horrible people.  Sooner or later, you knew it had to come.  Cassy is right in declaring Simon Legree the devil.  Can you fathom such an evil human?  It seems as though his mother tried to do well by him, however, Stowe passes it off as Simon following in his father's footsteps. He is a despicable man. 

It appears as though Sambo and Quimbo are despicable as well.  I think they gave in to the devil to save their hide here in this life.  I actually felt a little sorry for them.  Legree took advantage of their vulnerability and turned them into bullies.  They appear ignorant and dysfunctional.  As Tom says, forgive them Lord for they know not what they do.   

Do you think Cassie will kill Legree?  Chapter 35 was a cliff hanger.  I have the impression Legree may get what's due him.  I thought the way the lock of hair freaked him out was pretty funny.  His superstitions got the best of him.

I really wish you were here in my living room so we could chat freely.  I think Uncle Tom's Cabin would make for great discussion.  Angel finished reading yesterday and she declared it her new favorite book.  It sure is powerful!  

I may not quite finish Uncle Tom's Cabin by Friday as scheduled, but I plan to carry on and do my best.....

Uncle Tom's Cabin - Day 9 & 10

Chapters 20-26 - Day 9 & 10

Oh my....I sobbed like a baby.   Can you believe Eva died?!?!  Oh wait....I  need to back up.

First Topsy, what did you think of this poor little darling?  She'd never been loved or so she thought.  It was heart breaking to think this even possible for a child.  And the dear girl keeps saying, "I's so wicked."  I believe Eva did truly love her.  I loved her and to be honest I saw signs of our adopted daughters in her, a child so abused and neglected they only see ugly.

I was disappointed with Mr. Shelby in the glance back at life on the Shelby plantation since Tom left in Chapter 21.  He didn't seem like getting Tom back was a priority.  I felt he was making excuses to Mrs. Shelby about never getting out of debt and he poo pooed her suggestions to try to make money.  Then sweet  Aunt Chloe was going out to make money to get Tom back.  Do you really think she'll be able to save the money she makes?  I was skeptical of the treatment she may receive once she leaves the Shelby's.

I mentioned in a past post the faith and maturity of Eva.  This held true to the end.  I think that's why I cried so, not only because she was a mere baby, but because she was so strong in her belief.  She was so kind and generous and loved everyone she met regardless of their look.  Eva so badly wanted the slaves to be treated well and freed.  As I said before, she was wise beyond her years.  Some of us may live to be 100 and never reach the level of Eva.

And that Marie, she is nuts!!  I have no sympathy for her whatsoever.  She is just selfish and spoiled.  I really  ached for St. Clare though.  I believe he is a Christian, but somewhere along the line his heart was hardened, maybe upon the death of his mother or when he was parted from his first love.  It really wasn't clear, but something happened to make him so sarcastic and callous.

Do you think Tom will be freed now?  I also wonder what's happened to Eliza. I feel like her character has just dropped off the radar.  I'm hoping it all comes together in the end.

I don't know about you, but I've been telling everyone I meet about Uncle Tom's Cabin.  I absolutely LOVE the book so far and consider it a must read!!  The content is difficult and weighs heavily on my mind, but the subject matter is very important and relevant in the world today.  I'm sorry the book was banned for some time and that it seems to have dropped from the radar since.  You can read more about the ban here and here.  My hope in this book study is to bring awareness and spark interest.  You must read this book!!

Uncle Tom's Cabin - Day 8

Day 8 - Chapters 17-19

I must admit, I only made it to the end of Chapter 19 today.  Riley and Ruben both fell asleep tonight to the sound of my voice.  I believe some of this book is over their head, but they so sweetly try their best.  They love to be involved and a part of the conversation. 

I was glad chapter 17 picked up with Eliza and George.  The Quakers of the 1800's remind me of the Amish of our time, such a peaceable group.  Or the Hutterites, who live in a communal setting.  The Farmer and kids like Phineas and his outdoors man like ways.  I was actually glad Tom didn't die so it wouldn't be on George's conscience.  Do you think Tom will be converted?  How about George?  It appears as though the Quakers kindness may have softened George's heart.  Time will tell.....

And oh, St. Clare, I've grown to like him.  He really doesn't belong in the south.  Though, I'm not sure where he does belong ;-)

I also get a bang out of Miss Ophelia.  I picture this laid back household that's sort of in disarray.  Then in comes Miss Ophelia to straighten everyone out.  I can just imagine her and her old schoolmarm like ways.

I am so tickled that Tom wrote a letter home.  I wondered if he would do that.

This is a great book!  I feel a relationship with each of the characters.  If you haven't started reading, please consider joining in.....

Uncle Tom's Cabin - Day 6 & 7

Day 6 & 7 - Chapter 10-16

Well I must admit, I had a hard time meeting this deadline.  That was a lot of pages to accomplish in what seemed like a short amount of time, thus this late post.  Though, the plot thickens as the story moves along and I'm really enjoying the book.  We were introduced to a wealth of new characters in these chapters. 

But starting with the original, again, I am irritated by Haley and his careless casting off of humanity.  He shows such a lack of emotion when it comes to blacks, particularly women and children.  This is a very sensitive area for me as I'm likened to an old hen with a brood of chicks to protect. First it's Hagar being ripped from her last child.  Then he sold the baby out of the cradle from the young mother on the boat.  Levi was sleeping in my arms as I read this chapter.  The suffering of these women was nearly unbearable to me.  I could really relate to them.   

I continue to grow deeply fonder of Tom and his Godly character.  There are several references to his stupidity.  Yet, his undying faith seems to make him one of the more intelligent characters. The Farmer really admires Tom and he actually reminds me of Tom in his kind, patient and faithful way.  

I was a little confused in Chapter 13, The Quaker Settlement.  It seemed the Quakers came out of no where.  The update on Eliza was reassuring, but I had a bit of a hard time following the story at that point.  So where was George and how did he find Eliza?  I felt like I was missing something.  I'm hoping it ties together in a later chapter. 

What do you think of St. Clare?  I'm undecided at this point.  So far, I like him just for buying Tom and treating his slaves respectfully.  Of course, we were easily exhausted by Marie and her pathetic ways.  She's very self absorbed and spoiled.  Ruben just kept saying, "She's so ridiculous!"  The kids LOVE Eva!  Here again, Stowe uses the innocence of a young naive child to teach a lesson in faith and character.


In chapters 10-16, as in previous chapters, I felt Stowe was very effective at showing good vs. evil and using ignorance and innocence to show bliss and upstanding morality.  She uses Tom and Eva, two unlikely characters, to teach us the proper way to a Godly life.  I was reminded of Luke 18:16-17 which says.... 

Then Jesus called for the children and said to this disciples, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them!  For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.  I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it."  

God reminds us that entrance into the Kingdom of God requires childlike faith and dependence on God.  In my mind, Stowe portrays Tom and Eva both naturally have this faith. 

Uncle Tom's Cabin - Day 4 & 5

Day 4 & 5 - Chapters 7-9

So now The Farmer's in too.  He walked in a couple of evenings ago when I was reading Chapter 7 aloud. He asked about what we were reading and we gave him the summary 101.  He's been listening since. As a matter of fact, it was his idea to read aloud last night. 

I must admit I did get bogged down in Chapter 8, particularly reading aloud with the broken dialect.  It took almost an hour to get through just that chapter alone.  And, those characters are so nasty, they repulse me.

What did you think about Senator Bird and his wife?  Here again we see these prominent white people torn between good and evil.  The Birds reminded me of the Shelbys.  You can read more about the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 that Senator Bird voted on here.  I must admit, I was very disappointed that he voted for the act, but it appeared as though he saw it as a duty to honor the state.  Slaves were very valuable property at that time.  The Underground Railroad aided and abetted slaves in their freedom.  This created huge losses for slave owners in Kentucky.  The Act helped the slave owners reclaim their "property".

I really want to see Eliza escape with her boy, but I just have a feeling this isn't going to happen. Let's press on and see...... 

Uncle Tom's Cabin - Day 3

Day 3 - Chapters 4-6

Wow, one minute I'm crying and the next I'm laughing out loud.  So my kids want to know what's going on.  I read part of Uncle Tom's Cabin aloud to RileyAnn and Ruben and they're hooked now too.

I believe Stowe set the scene of Chapter 4 in the slave cabin to build a case for Tom's character and faith.  It's apparent that the slaves have created a family amongst themselves and they look to Tom as a leader.  Not only as a man, but as a pastor or spiritual leader.  And by the end of Chapter 5, I could certainly see why.  Tom is a man of faith.  He was loyal and true to his master even when the tide turned on him.  It was hard to see the love and happiness inside that cabin and know the cold truth about what was going on outside with Mr. Shelby's dealings.

Upon further reading, it appears that Mrs. Shelby may truly be of christian faith.  It seems she had a real heart for the slaves and their reverence to the Lord.  Because the Shelby's have promised Tom freedom since he was a boy, Mrs. Shelby was beside herself with the notion that Tom may lose faith when he finds out he has been sold and will not be free. I wondered if the slaves will see Mrs. Shelby as a hypocrite?  Though it appeared as though Eliza certainly didn't. 

We got quite a chuckle when reading about Black Sam's attempt to stall the search for Eliza.  In light of the fact that Sam appears uneducated, his plan was quite bright.

I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts and comments.  Are you enjoying the book?

Uncle Tom's Cabin - Day 2

Day 2 - Chapter 2 & 3

"They stood silent; then there were last words, and sobs, and bitter weeping, - such parting as those may make whose hope to meet again is as the spider's web, - and the husband and wife were parted."...Tears again today as this terrible injustice is boiling inside me.  Mr. Harris is a haughty man who is hiding behind jealousy and fear.  I believe he fears George will gain power if he's praised or promoted in his job.  His treatment of George is uncalled for.  On the other hand, I'm not sure if I should feel sympathy or apathy for George.  Surely, I sympathize with the cruel treatment of George by Mr. Harris.  But, a part of me feels apathy to George's desire to run away.  He is trying to take matters in his own hands rather than trusting God's plan.

Mrs. Shelby appears to be humane in her treatment of Eliza as far as educating her and helping her with her wedding.  However, she is condescending in her tone when speaking to Eliza when she says things like, "silly child", "foolish girl", and "you goosie".  She easily dismisses Eliza's fears regarding Mr. Shelby selling Harry.  Galatians 3:28 and Colossians 3:11 both speak to the fact that there are no divisions among followers of Christ, whether you are... "Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female.  For you are all one in Christ Jesus."  I don't feel Mrs. Shelby is keeping with the spirit of God's law when she continues to patronize Eliza. 

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?