3005WSP09

In response to our previous class discussion regarding why Stowe is viewed as a renowned author. As we outlined in class, there are various factors which influence our idea of why a book or an author becomes a classic. Obviously what makes us different as readers is what we like to read and what we deem as a "great" novel. As to why "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is viewed as a great novel is debatable. The rationale could be that because the novel was written by a former female slave, which was commendable for the time. I believe that the novel itself has become what it is due to the impact that it had on society at the time of publication. It was written for middle-class women, making an impact emotionally by focusing on the relationship of mother and son and the potential separation due to the selling of slaves. The book, although fiction, helped to draw attention the harsh reality of slavery by aiming at a part of the population who were most often overlooked. This helped the book to mark its place in history.