Every Christian Woman’s Duty: Stowe’s Message in Uncle Tom’s Cabin

There is more to the characters in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin than one initially might see; they are complex, showcasing a number of views simultaneously. At times, it can be difficult to assess just what Stowe is trying to assert when the characters seem to change views and reveal ambiguous purposes. When looking for meaning in the characters and their views, one can often find conflicting messages, but a look at the background of the author, some particularly popular sentiments at the time she was writing, and the book’s reception help to clarify where she stands and why.