Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Uncle Tom's Cabin: Literary Aspect II

Eliza is undoubtedly a strong, independent woman. It seems as if she can do whatever a man can do and do it better. She fought for her son's freedom and for a good life away from the bonds of slavery. Of course, any person is nothing without strength from God (Philippians 4:13). Eliza and the whole slave clan at the Shelby's residence is Christian. She had that child-like faith that God so strongly encourages His children to have.

"With one wild cry and flying leap" that was "nerved with strength such as God gives only to the desperate", Eliza took a leap of faith (Stowe 67). Eliza showed the most faith through her desperate leap across the river. A crazy woman might have done that. It took a crazy Christian woman in the right mind to do what she did. She risked life right there, but I think she knew in her heart that God was going to deliver her from that unseemly situation.

Stowe, Harriet B. Uncle Tom's Cabin. New York: Bantam Books, 2003. Print.

Uncle Tom's Cabin: Literary Aspect

Being a Hypocrite

In chapter 5, Mrs. Shelby admits that slavery is a sin. She said, "I was a fool to think I could make anything good out of such a deadly evil (Stowe 38)." If the reader did not already like Mrs. Shelby, he or she must have figured out that she has an active, working conscience. However, she is, sad to say, amongst the hypocrites in this story. Even though the Shelby's provide a relatively healthy and safe environment for their slaves, it still does not justify that slavery is a "deadly evil". Mrs. Shelby admits that she thought with "kindness, care, and instruction", she could justify having slaves. She claims to be an avid Christian while knowing what is right and definitely knowing what is wrong.

I got the idea of hypocrites from Sparknotes.com!

Stowe, Harriet B. Uncle Tom's Cabin. New York: Bantam Books, 2003. Print.

"Uncle Tom's Cabin." Spark Notes. Web. 4 Feb. 2010. .

Uncle Tom's Cabin: Study Guide Bonus

Chapter 9

Q: Do you admire men who marry amazing women?
A: Sometimes I wonder how they got that amazing woman to marry them. (Hehe) But yes, I do admire the men who have enough charisma to charm amazing women to marry them. I also think that even if the guy does not necessarily deserve the girl, it is just God's way of blessing them for doing something right in their lifetime.

Q: What do you think about trusting your heart over your head (Stowe 98)?
A: In some situations, do not do it! Your heart can be the ship of your emotions. Some other times, however, go with your heart because sometimes it just might be the right thing to do.

Chapter 10
Q: What would you say to someone who told you that "...de Lord lets drefful things happen sometimes" (Stowe, 107)?
A: I know. I know that God lets dreadful things happen, and it makes me frustrated at times. However, I do know that God never lets anything happen without a good, solid, beneficial reason for it. Everything always works out for God's glory.

Q: Why is it brave to hide your own pain to comfort others (Stowe 107)?
A: Being brave is doing the right thing. If hiding one's pain for the sake of the comfort of others is the right thing to do, it is the brave thing to do.

Q: Have you ever been embarrassed to be from the state or hometown you're from?
A: Not necessarily Hawaii...but I do have to admit that on more than one occasion I have been embarrassed to go to Hanalani. I love Hanalani. I truly do. But sometimes when my co-workers ask me about Prom or some other rules for Hanalani, they give me a weird face and just ask "Why??", my face turns all red, and I start to panic.

Stowe, Harriet B. Uncle Tom's Cabin. New York: Bantam Books, 2003. Print.

Uncle Tom's Cabin: Study Guide Questions

Chapter 9

Q: What is it that makes us feel worse when our loved ones cry over us versus physically harming us (Stowe 89)?
A: If we really love our loved ones, we would never want to do anything to make them cry. In most universal cases, crying indicates some type of hurt. I think that it is the protective side of us that makes us feel bad when they cry over us. The sticks and stones will break your bones, but eventually it will heal. The emotional cut will heal also, but will ultimately leave a scar.

Q: "Obeying God never brings on public evils." "It's always safest, all round to do as He bids us" (Stowe 90)? True statement?
A: Of course, it is a true statement! Even when God brings on "public evils", per say, for punishments, He would never do something that will have a permanent negative effect. He loves us too much. And yes, it is always the safest thing to do what He wants. God rewards acts of obedience with blessings. As the song goes, "obedience is the very best way to show that you believe."




"Obedience is." Youtube. Web. 19 Jan. 2010.
Stowe, Harriet B. Uncle Tom's Cabin. New York: Bantam Books, 2003. Print.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Make-Up Blogpost: Tuesday, January 12 Meeting

Chapter 1
Q: What does it mean to do something that's "no real kindness, after all" (Stowe 8)?
A: An action is either good intentioned or not. When an action may seem like it's a good for others, but it has a self-pleasing purpose, it's no real kindness after all.

Q: What are your thoughts on speculating? Investing? Gambling? Is there a difference in the terms?
A: Money or possessions is a gift from God that people are supposed to steward well. I don't think gambling is right...investing too. However, investing smartly, even though a small gamble, can be used to multiply money for use to help others and to glorify God.

Q: What are we supposed to believe about the people of Kentucky?
A: Hmm...that they're good-hearted slave owners?

Chapter 2

Q: Do you ever have thoughts of inferiority? When? Why?
A: Yes, I used to have a lot before, but as I've become more confident over the past several years, the thoughts are decreasing. I guess I felt inferior to the populars. Popularity ='s power. A lot of people feel inferior to power. It's strong, and mere humanity is weak.

Q: What is the other "use that a man can be put to that is WORSE!" (Stowe 16)?
A: Being a slave..

Chapter 3
Q: What would you have advised George in his current situation?
A: Run for your freedom. Just Run.

Q: Where else have you heard the cry, "I'll be free, or I'll die!" (Stowe 21)?
A: Nathaniel Hawthorne!

Chapter 4

Q: What do you think of Aunt Chloe's treatment of Mose and Pete with Mas'r George at the table?
A: Predictable.

Q: Are you always "...ready for anything that makes him of importance" (Stowe 31)?
A: Never, honestly. Once it comes though and you just have to do it, I say "bring it on".

Q: What are your thoughts about the dialogue in this chapter?
A: Very choppy. It's like a mainland pigeon!

Q: How should one pray? Is there a lesson to be learned from Uncle Tom?
A: One should pray like they really mean it. And yes, there is a lesson: to pray with all your heart...like you really mean it.

Q: Are you ever obliged by your circumstances? Or is that just an excuse?
A: I am always obliged by my circumstances. And I use it as excuses because I am a very lazy person. "Excuses are the crutch of the uncommitted."

Chapter 5

Q: Was Mrs. Shelby "...a fool to think I could make anything good out of such a deadly evil" (Stowe 38)?
A: Yes, she is. But at least her conscience is loud enough to constantly be nagged that slavery is a deadly evil. If she wasn't bothered by it, then she really wouldn't be a Christian.

Q: Is it ever acceptable to ease drop on other's conversations?
A: I do it all the time. It's the only way that I find out information (like my favorite second cousin who lives on the mainland is giving birth in a week...). However, I don't think it's acceptable to ever eavesdrop because privacy is a courtesy privelage.

Q: What would you have done if you were Uncle Tom upon hearing the news?
A: If I were Uncle Tom, I would be as "collected" as he was. If I was myself, I'd go into hysterics and throw a tantrum.

Chapter 6

Q: What does your honor consist of?
A: Doing my best to do what is right.

Q: What is the "decorum of a gentleman" nowadays (Stowe 46)?
A: To "ack" all cool "ly dat". It's kind of like a trend to have to put on a show to show how cool you are. It's quite entertaining sometimes. When couples come into Menchie's, there is always that moke guy who, when offered a sample cup, will say no, just for the sake of putting on a non-chalant manner.

Q: What do you think of joking? Of making fun of others?
A: I think it's horrible to make fun of others to a hurtful degree. I also look down on teasing people in general, but I do it all the time. And I mean all the time. Raychel and I go at it from the time we get to school to the last period of the day and beyond. All in the spirit of "fun"? Maybe. But sometimes I wonder if it's a way of ending our friendship instead of building it up to be a long-lasting one.

Q: Why would it be important to stand on the "Missis' side" and to know "which side the bread is buttered" (Stowe 49)?
A: She's the kind-hearted out of the pair. If you're in good standing with her, she'll most likely do whatever she can to save you.

Q: What are your thoughts on "bobservation" (Stowe 54)?
A: It's the cutest word ever (Haha). I think observation is a wonderful thing to do. Not being ignorant is smart. To be up to date shows good judgment, I believe.

Chapter 7

Q: Can fraternal love be as strong as maternal love? Why or why not?
A: Maternal love has an extra bond (which is sex). So, I'm not sure on this one. i would like to say that fraternal love can be as strong, but oftens times, it's not.

Q: Do you really believe that your mind may be stronger than your body? "Sublime is the dominion of the mind over the body, that, for a time, can make flesh and never impregnable, and string the sinews like steel, so that the weak become so mighty" (Stowe 56)
A: Yes, I do. The mind has to make decisions all the time. It is challenged constantly. Your body is too...and that's 100% of your body. The average human being only uses 4% of his or her brain.

Q: Does the thought of forever strike fear in your heart? Why or why not?
A: All the time. It gives me a sick feeling sometimes. When people say "this is the last time we're all going to be together...forever", it drives me crazy. It makes me sad. If I had to part with loved ones like many of the characters in this book do, I think the grief would ultimately kill me.

Q: Uncle Tom tells Aunty Chloe to pray for the "soul drivers" (Stowe 61). What is her response?
A: She does not want to pray for them. Neither would I. It's understandable. Why should we have to pray for a horrible people? Uncle Tom says that we should pray for them and be thankful that our souls aren't as horrible as the soul drivers'.

Q: Do you agree with Uncle Tom when he says, "...natur's strong...but the Lord's grace is stronger" (Stowe 61)?
A: Yes, I do because anything of the Lord is stronger than any mortal thing. Especially if "nature" is in a way, destiny: things are just the way things are. God has control over all of that.

Q: Is it good to be "strictly uncommittal" like Andy (Stowe 65)?
A: No, although I am oftn noncommittal most of the time--to avoid disappointment.

Q: Describe Eliza's "desperate leap" (Stowe 67).
A: It's admirable. Commendable. Priceless.

Q: Can you admire the good even in people that you are not naturally drawn to (Stowe 68)?
A: When people I genuinely despise (for good reasons) does something admirable, I have the hardest time actually admiring them. It is a very humbling situation for me. I do end up appreciating their efforts to do something for the good of the world

Chapter 8
Q: What's Tom's compliment on page 74? What kind of compliment is it?
A: That he is cunning. It is an indirect insult it seems like.

Q: Do you agree that "...quarrelling...won't answer no kind of purpose" (Stowe 75)?
A: It won't. Having hard but necessary discussions (close to arguments but not really) can ultimately resolve unsettled issues.

Q: What is Haley's philosophy on his soul and wickedness?
A: I think he possibly thinks that because he's not killing any one, he's still in good standing.

Q: Do you have a piety vein that runs stronger in specific situations or with certain people (Stowe 81)?
A: Yes, I think it's nature.

Q: If you can't "reason" guilt away, what does that mean (Stowe 81)?
A: It's a sin!

Q: What are your thoughts on "principles" (Stowe 86)?
A: Everyone should have good moral principles in order to be most spiritually, mentally, and emotionally content.

Stowe, Harriet B. Uncle Tom's Cabin. New York: Bantam Books, 2003. Print.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Personal Response: Uncle Tom's Cabin

Uncle Tom's Cabin is a controversial argument within itself, yet one can clearly see which side the author is on. I like the book so far because of it. The dialogue of the book and the descriptions of the actions come to life in a way that makes you want to go back in time to experience it yourself. (Although, not really because going back in that time would mean being in a world of slavery, racism, and prejudice. However, if you think about it, we're still in a world of that nature. People are slaves to the world, different types of people are racist against various skin-tones, and we're all, in a way, prejudice towards...everyone.)



"Slavery Song." Youtube. Web. 13 Jan. 2010. .