Reader Respnses

      The general consensus of Uncle Tom's Cabin is that it is well written and exemplary in displaying slavery. The best example of someone commending Harriet Beecher Stowe is, "The characters depicted, were drawn from true life and experiences of the author and those known to her." I believe this to be true. It is likely that she, living in the North, had spoken to several escaped slaves. Stowe most likely interviewed several free slaves, listening to their stories and troubles, and incorporated elements of their lives into Uncle Tom's Cabin. I do, however, disagree with this review in relation to whites in her story. To me it is unrealistic that everyone who meets the main characters, who are slaves, undergo an epiphany, completely changing their lives after having met a slave. Tom's torturers become Christians, Mr. Wilson too quickly reverses his stance, supporting George's escape, even offering him money. It is unrealistic and unlike humans to change so quickly. As unrealistic as it is, I do see reason in why Stowe would have characters switch so rapidly: the book cannot be long enough to display a realistic progression over weeks or months and it encourages readers to change just as the characters did.