There are many themes present in Stowe's novel. Some of those themes include:
Slavery-
This novel was written specifically to show readers how terrible slavery is, especially since it was such a big issue in the time the novel was published. Not only does it show the suffering slaves had to go through, it also shows how slavery effected those around the slaves. Uncle Tom went from slave owner to slave owner, meeting different slaves who suffered from their own varying problems. Eliza was at risk of losing Harry because of slave trade and even fled to Canada to escape with him and to meet with her husband. Topsy's character shows that slaves were raised by their masters to believe that they are bad. Cassy is an example of masters using slaves for perverse purposes.
Religion-
Stowe was a very devout christian all her life. In Uncle Tom's Cabin, many characters had great faith in God. The abolitionists took Christianity though as a set of duties. Miss Ophelia is a perfect example of this. She is shown in the book to be a very faithful Christian, but lacks kindness. Eva on the other hand, shows to be a very kind and loving Christian who throughout the book encourages others to be good Christians. It would make sense as her full name is Evangeline. Eva's innocent religious speeches did what Miss Ophelia's couldn't: they changed Topsy for the better.
Racism-
In this novel, it is shown that Miss Ophelia is a great abolitionist. But when she has Topsy to educate, it is shown that Miss Ophelia doesn't even want to be in contact with Topsy. Even though Miss Ophelia believes that the slaves should be free, she is still racist towards them. Miss Ophelia is an example Stower uses that the South isn't the only one to blame for the racism of African Americans.
Interdependence-
While Uncle Tom was under ownership of the St. Clares, he is shown to be interdependent to Eva because of their friendship. They both are very religious and that faith is what brings them closer together as friends. Tom is Eva's attendant while he was with the St. Clares so Eva depended on Tom for his care. Tom depended on Eva because of how happy she makes him.
Slavery-
This novel was written specifically to show readers how terrible slavery is, especially since it was such a big issue in the time the novel was published. Not only does it show the suffering slaves had to go through, it also shows how slavery effected those around the slaves. Uncle Tom went from slave owner to slave owner, meeting different slaves who suffered from their own varying problems. Eliza was at risk of losing Harry because of slave trade and even fled to Canada to escape with him and to meet with her husband. Topsy's character shows that slaves were raised by their masters to believe that they are bad. Cassy is an example of masters using slaves for perverse purposes.
Religion-
Stowe was a very devout christian all her life. In Uncle Tom's Cabin, many characters had great faith in God. The abolitionists took Christianity though as a set of duties. Miss Ophelia is a perfect example of this. She is shown in the book to be a very faithful Christian, but lacks kindness. Eva on the other hand, shows to be a very kind and loving Christian who throughout the book encourages others to be good Christians. It would make sense as her full name is Evangeline. Eva's innocent religious speeches did what Miss Ophelia's couldn't: they changed Topsy for the better.
Racism-
In this novel, it is shown that Miss Ophelia is a great abolitionist. But when she has Topsy to educate, it is shown that Miss Ophelia doesn't even want to be in contact with Topsy. Even though Miss Ophelia believes that the slaves should be free, she is still racist towards them. Miss Ophelia is an example Stower uses that the South isn't the only one to blame for the racism of African Americans.
Interdependence-
While Uncle Tom was under ownership of the St. Clares, he is shown to be interdependent to Eva because of their friendship. They both are very religious and that faith is what brings them closer together as friends. Tom is Eva's attendant while he was with the St. Clares so Eva depended on Tom for his care. Tom depended on Eva because of how happy she makes him.