I was surprised how quickly I became attached to so many of the characters in this story. Even just after a few chapters, I was already so invested in each of their lives and where they were going to go in the story. I think part of this has to do with how Stowe’s writing allows for the relationships between the characters to be so clear and raw.
One relationship that I kept coming back to was that between Mrs. Shelby and Eliza. It is clear that Mrs. Shelby cares so deeply for Eliza and her child, that she sees them as part of her own family. She never would think to separate the mother from her child. Part of this has to do with the fact that Mrs. Shelby truly understands the motherly bond that Eliza has with her son. She knows that that is such a special love and will do anything in her power to keep them together. Mrs. Shelby works with them to help them escape together because she cares and understands the relationship, where Mr. Shelby does not.
The love Eliza has for her son is not mistaken by Mrs. Shelby or the other women in the story. This really became apparent when Eliza and Harry are journeying to cross the river. Stowe explains that “stronger than all was maternal love” (54). This love gives Eliza the strength to keep going and get her and Harry to safety. This is the love that Mrs. Shelby sees and appreciates in Eliza.
Hi Cate! I completely agree with your assessment of the relationship between Mrs. Shelby and Eliza, and I think this motherly love plays a significant part in driving the plot and gaining the readers empathy for Eliza and her situation. I find it particularly interesting to examine this relationship in contrast to that of Mr. Shelby and Tom who grew up together and, theoretically, should have as strong of a bond as Eliza and Mrs. Shelby do. While we do see Mr. Shelby stand up for Tom, it is generally in the sense of how useful and faithful he is, rather than having anything to do with his value beyond being a slave. It seems as though Shelby is truly sad about having to sell Tom, but it is clearly for the wrong reasons, especially when viewed next to the relationship of Eliza and Mrs. Shelby. I think these two relationships do a great job of showing differing views of slavery at this point in time and how, if you refuse to see black people as people, then it makes the institution of slavery more acceptable and less emotional in your mind.
Hi Cate!
I also found the topic of “maternal love” very interesting and relevant throughout the novel. One scene that stood out to me was when Mrs. Bird asks Eliza why she has decided to leave if she has been treated well. Eliza answers, “have you ever lost a child?” (149). Through their shared maternal love, Eliza and Mrs. Bird understand each other. Mrs. Bird quickly begins to care deeply for Eliza as she understands the love Eliza has for her child. The emotional connection between these two women contrasts starkly with the lack of empathy displayed by slave trader Haley who without second thought separated a child from their mother to gain a “keg o’ whisky” (Stowe, 125). There is opinion expressed throughout the novel that if a slave is running away, it indicates that they have been treated poorly regarding their living conditions. This interaction between Mrs. Bird and Eliza underscores that the inhumanity of slavery extends far beyond not receiving the necessities and receiving punishment.