Uncle Tom's Cabin Forum

I am considering writing a dissertation on this book, any idea's what I should focus on? Suggestions for a title would also be great, Oh and famous quotes????
Is this book studied in american schools?

Hi - Yes, this book is definitely studied in American schools, but usually in gradeschool (7th or 8th grade).  There are a lot of great essays on the GradeSaver site .... these should help you get started with your dissertation:
http://www.gradesaver.com/classicnotes/titles/uncletom/essays.html

I don't think any of the quotes are particularly famous, but I like
"Any mind that is capable of a real sorrow is capable of good," from Chapter 28.

good luck

Thanks, do you have any idea what angle is used when teaching this book to pupils, and the general response to it?

Usually it is taught in an historical context (at least when I studied it in school!). So you might want to introduce some other primary documents from the 1850s, and discuss the abolitionist movement in general during that time period.

On a literary level, you can focus on how Stowe presents the characters, many of whom are "stock" figures. You can also look at how realistic these characters are compared to the people they are supposed to represent, and how Stowe goes about using language, setting and tone to evoke an emotional response from her readers.

Cassy entered the room, and found Emmeline sitting, pale with fear, in the furthest corner of it. As she came in, the girl started up nervously; but, on seeing who it was, rushed forward, and catching her arm, said, "O Cassy, is it you? I'm so glad you've come! I was afraid it was -- . O, you don't know what a horrid noise there has been, down stairs, all this evening!"

"I ought to know," said Cassy, dryly. "I've heard it often enough."

"O Cassy! do tell me, -- couldn't we get away from this place? I don't care where, -- into the swamp among the snakes, -- anywhere! Couldn't we get somewhere away from here?"

"Nowhere, but into our graves," said Cassy.

"Did you ever try?" <a href="http://www.essaywriter.co.uk/">essay writing</a>