Uncle Tom's Cabin (Bantam Classics)

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Uncle Tom's Cabin chapters 13-16, help?

 

RossMan #233635
Feb 29, 2012 9:53 AM

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Uncle Tom's Cabin chapters 13-16, help?

Describe how Mr. Adolph contrasts to Uncle Tom, starting with how they are addressed as "Mister" and "Uncle" and continuing by citing examples of their behaviors, thoughts and attitudes.

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jill d #170087
Mar 01, 2012 9:37 AM

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Best Answer: This question was originally answered by Aslan last March........ here is his explanation;

I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest that the word "uncle" became symbolic for all black slaves at the time. Tom was a slave that was completely loyal and subservient to his first master even letting himself be sold rather than escape. This subservience has become synonymous with the word "uncle" when used in this context. I'll provide a link that will give you a bit of history that might help to the understanding of your question.

Source(s): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Tom

 

jill d #170087
Feb 29, 2012 10:42 AM

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Mr. Adolph possesses a higher status than Uncle Tom, who is respected and loved by all who know him............ except those people of higher status. Personality wise, Tom is an upbeat optimist, whereas Adolph is extremely negative.

Source(s): Uncle Tom's Cabin

 

RossMan #233635
Mar 01, 2012 8:58 AM

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Thank you for the information but, could you please say way Tom is addressed as "Uncle".
 

jill d #170087
Mar 01, 2012 9:50 AM

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Note, the term "Uncle Tom," orinated with the publication of this novel, though it was not a derogatory at the time. That came later.

In the novel, we are witnessing the experiences of Tom and his family. I believe that Stowe has no reason whatsoever for her use of "uncle," other than to denote this feeling of family and Tom's ensuing protective behavior. Tom is a husband and a father. He lives with his wife and children, and Eliza is a part of their home. I think Stowe used the title "Uncle" to denote family and friendship. But that's my opinion.

Source(s): Uncle Tom's Cabin

 

RossMan #233635
Mar 01, 2012 11:33 AM

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Thanks Jill D, I did not know that this question was originally answered by Aslan because I could not find the question.
Thanks for your help.
:-)
 

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