Personal Synthesis: Religion in Uncle Tom's Cabin

It’s very apparent that Harriet Beecher Stowe relies heavily on the theme of religion in Uncle Tom’s Cabin. I think it’s interesting to see how many different ways religion turns up in the novel, and the interpretations that one can make with all the heavy religious elements and aspects. In one of my previous blog post I mentioned how in the novel, religion comes up in relation to women and their role as wives. Stowe creates female characters who are all moral and are set on expressing their disdain for slavery. As such, religion appears again as a means of justification against slavery, as opposed to some of the novel’s other characters who use religion as a means of accepting slavery. The women go by the overall message of God’s word, while it’s apparent that those who use religion to justify slavery pick certain scriptures that seem to fit their ideas.
         As we talked about in class as well, Christ figures also appear in the novel. While we made the case in class that Eva could be seen as a Christ figure I think as the novel goes on, Tom can also be seen as one, as well. One of the strongest aspects that likens Tom as a Christ figure, is that Tom suffered for others, and was willing to die for others, as well. Tom was selfless in his actions, doing things even when he knew it would bring pain and suffering his way. The best example of this is when Tom is dying as a result of withholding the plans of Emmeline and Cassy. Tom suffers for days from the wounds Legree inflicts upon him and states prior to his death, “…but the Lord’s given me a work among these yer poor souls, and I’ll stay with ‘em and bear my cross with ‘em till the end.” (Stowe, 363). As he felt it was his God given duty to stay among the other slaves and suffer for them, essentially making his death self-sacrificing, like Christ’s death for humankind. Thus showing that like Christ, both were martyrs who suffered and died so others may have a chance at life.
         Furthermore, like Christ, Tom is very forgiving and compassionate. Whether suffering abuse from Legree, Sambo and Quimbo, or being sold by Mr. Shelby or Marie St. Clare, Tom accepts his fate/predicament and turns to the Lord for salvation. While Tom was wronged on many occasions he never resorted to retaliation, as it was clear that honoring the word of his religion and a higher power was of utmost importance to him. Even as he was about to meet his death at the hands of Legree, he pronounces his forgiveness of Legree stating, “I forgive ye with all my soul!” (Stowe, 377).  For much like Jesus taught forgiveness and forgave people of their sins, did Tom continually practice this forgiveness and speak to others of the word of the Bible. Of course there are many other reasons that make Tom a Christ figure, although I don’t quite have the time to delve into all of those now. However, like Christ Tom also appears good with children (i.e. Eva), was in agony (i.e. suffering at the hands of Legree, anguish over being sent South, etc.), and it could be argued he had a confrontation with the devil if one wants to consider that to be Simon Legree.  

Because Tom is presented as a Christ figure, and is so kindhearted, he serves as a striking contrast to Simon Legree. It’s clear that Legree is by far the worst, most evil character in the book, and the good intentions and faithful actions of Tom serve to make Legree appear that much worse, and in this case- the antichrist to Tom’s Christ figure. Thus making them comparable to Jesus and the devil, respectively. For Tom appears as a selfless, compassionate, and well intentioned man willing to help and respect anyone he came in contact with, and teach others of the word of the Lord. While on the other hand, Legree represents the worst of humankind in the novel- a slavery supporter, and one who goes against the Christian word, as he taunts Tom about his religion, and continually tells him that the Lord won’t help him. Furthermore, Legree appears to have no remorse, morals, or conscience as he regards Tom and the other slaves with no compassion.

I think Stowe uses this theme most in part because it really was a way to appeal the masses, and also helps tie into the book’s almost overly moralistic qualities and message, as well. The use of religion would obviously reach the pious wives at the time, who in another article written by Stowe, were encouraged to dutifully take up the cause of prohibition of slavery. I think it was also effective in providing a striking contrast between the North and the South, as well. I believe someone in class had likened the two to Heaven and Hell, and I think that becomes evident if you make the observation like that in my previous paragraph. For if you observe Tom as a Christ figure in the more northern part of the south, and Simon Legree as the anti-Christ to Tom, in the Deep South, the comparison becomes that much more clear.

Overall I think it’s quite striking, just how much Stowe was able to incorporate religion in the novel, and in so many different ways and aspects, as well. With that being said, I think religion becomes the main foundation of the novel, as it’s rooted in the characters and the message of the novel, as well.

Stowe, Harriet Beecher. Uncle Tom's Cabin. Second ed. New York: Norton. Print.