I just finished Uncle Tom's Cabin, published in 1852. The copy I read was printed in 1890. The story involves some sadness, death, escape, and peace. It includes mothers torn from their babies, suicide, and holding out hope. All composed from real events seen or heard of by the author. I'm glad to have gotten this perspective, written in midst of slavery in the American south. I'm impressed at how vehemently the author, Harriet Beacher Stowe, argued against slavery.
A few things I learned. Enslaved blacks saw the southern-most states as hell and despair, and they saw Canada as the land of freedom. Quakers were known for giving shelter to escaping slaves – in defiance of US law. I look at Canada and Quakers in a new light now. Also, in yesteryear's lingo, I'm a mulatto and my kids are quadroons. Hmm.
A few things I learned. Enslaved blacks saw the southern-most states as hell and despair, and they saw Canada as the land of freedom. Quakers were known for giving shelter to escaping slaves – in defiance of US law. I look at Canada and Quakers in a new light now. Also, in yesteryear's lingo, I'm a mulatto and my kids are quadroons. Hmm.