The passage I will be elaborating on is in Chapter 33 (pages
319 - 326). An overall summary of the chapter can be understood in a brief paragraph:
In the chapter, Tom helps other slave
women with their work. When this action
is reported to Legree, Tom is asked (by Legree) to whip the slave women he
helped. Tom denies to whip the women, and
Legree responds by having Tom beat to near death.
Most specifically, the very end of the chapter – the beating of
Tom, is a moment that might be most relevant to James Baldwin’s perspective on the
novel.
It is likely that James Baldwin would approach this passage and relate
it to implicit racism because of the violence that is implied at the end of the
chapter. The beating that Tom endures at
this time in the book is one of several instances in the novel that Stowe alludes
to / illustrates the brutality of slavery.
While instances such as the one alluded to in this chapter are realistic
for this time in history, I believe Baldwin would argue that the beating
endured by Tom in the passage is one of several moments in the book that Stowe subtly
communicates her belief that African Americans are “‘fallen’ and in urgent need
of salvation.”
When reading Baldwin and Tompkin’s critiques of Uncle Tom’s
Cabin, I found it exciting and beneficial to tug and pool with two different
opinions. I think it is possible to agree
or disagree with both critical responses. I don’t think either opinion is wrong or
right; I simply think that each is a perspective that should be acknowledged, learned from, and respected. When learning about
literature – whether it be a book, painting, etc. – one should always find it most
helpful to learn as many different opinions about the work as possible. From there, comparing and contrasting all of
the opinions allows for an appropriate, personal conclusion about the
literature.
Additionally, this mindset can be applied to more than just
literature. When considering viewpoints
about politics, subject matters, business decisions, and more, it is most
important to acknowledge and learn from all perspectives so that one can most
credibly conclude a thought-out, appropriate perspective.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteI think your analysis of how Baldwin would interpret this is valid, but I do ask myself; what would Tompkins refute this with? Would her viewpoint be that this brutality, and the emotion and calling that comes with it, be a call to action for society? Nobody deserves to be treated that way, and many people can sympathize with what is happening to Tom.
Additionally, I have to ask if you believe that Stowe is writing this passage because she herself believes in the racism in America, and because he's black he's "bound to hell" (I paraphrase) and deserves this? Or, still from Baldwin's perspective, is it Stowe telling her readers that this is happening, and fulfills her self-righteousness? Either way, I agree with your point that it's possible to agree or disagree with both points, but more so, it's important to form a holistic view and look at the matter from all viewpoints.
Well done.