Harriet BeecHer Stowe (1811-1896) was born in Connecticut, USA. She was one of 13 children of religious leader Lyman Beecher and Roxanna Foote Beecher, who died when Harriet was a child. Harriet’s sister, Catharine Beecher, an author and a teacher, was a major influence on her life. Harriet studied at a school run by Catharine, pursuing classical learning, which was usually reserved for young men. At 21, she moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Harriet married seminary teacher Calvin Ellis Stowe in 1836 and moved to Brunswick, Maine. Along with their interest in literature, Harriet and Calvin Stowe shared a strong belief in abolition. In 1850, the US Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Law, triggering distress in abolitionist and free black communities of the North. Harriet responded to the churning with a literary portrait of slavery. In 1851, the first installment of her novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, was featured in the National Era. It was published as a book in 1852 and became an instant best seller. Stowe also wrote stories, essays, textbooks and several novels such as Oldtown Folks and Dred.
“Treat ’em like dogs, and you’ll have dogs’ works and dogs’ actions. Treat ’ em like men, and you’ ll have men’ s works.” American writer Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin (or Life Among the Lowly) was serialised from 1851 to 1852 and published in book form in 1852. 300,000 copies of Uncle Tom’s Cabin were sold in the United States during the year after its publication. This abolitionist novel, which takes an indepth look at slavery, was very well received by readers in the northern part of the United States. The story revolves around Uncle Tom, a slave. While being transported to an auction in New Orleans, Tom saves Little Eva’s life. Eva’s father buys Tom to express his thanks and Eva and Tom become good friends. When Eva’s health declines, she requests her father to free his slaves. He agrees to do so, but is killed before he can fulfill his promise. Tom is sold to a merciless new owner, and his life takes a dark turn. Tom remains a stoic figure throughout and puts up a brave front as he faces many trials and tribulations.
