Women In Slavery By Stowe

Therefore, the only characters who vehemently oppose slavery are women. After Mr. Shelby confesses to selling Tom and Henry, Mrs. Shelby expresses, “You know I never thought that slavery was right—never felt willing to own slaves” (Stowe 85). While arguing with St. Claire over slavery, Miss Ophelia asserts, “I defy anybody on earth to read our slave-code…and make anything else of it. Talk of the abuses of slavery…The thing itself is the essence of all abuse” (Stowe 332). Through a combination of rationality and sentimentality, women can differentiate between right and wrong; they are the moral gender. Thus, their morality allows them to recognize the evil in slavery and advocate for anti-slavery. Because of this, women are considered the leaders of moral rectitude for their communities.

George’s physicality, for example, is described in a feminine manner. Stowe writes, “[George] was very tall, with a dark…complexion, fine, expressive black eyes, and close-curling hair, also of a glossy blackness” (Stowe 180). Although white women do not possess dark features, Stowe’s use of the words “glossy” and “fine” convey an elegance and beauty that is mostly used to describe women. Yet, they are not only similar in physicality but also personality. When Tom is introduced, his features are described as “united with much kindliness and benevolence” (Stowe 68). He also possesses a “self-respecting and dignified [air]…with a confiding and humble simplicity” (Stowe 68). These characteristics are also attributed to women, and this is demonstrated in Mrs. Shelby’s description. Stowe explains that she has a “natural magnanimity and generosity of mind” and an abundance of “piety and benevolence” (Stowe 53). As a man, Tom should possess tough and harsh features; yet he is effeminized, and both characters seem to share a gentleness and benevolence which is uncommon for