Uncle Tom's Cabin

In the last few readings, I have learned that throughout most traditional children's novels there are certain themes they strive to teach. One that has stuck out in my mind the most is the teaching of morality. However, in Stowe's novel, this is not the case. In fact, it is quite the opposite. In my opinion, sometimes it is hard to get a point across to children. I feel like Stowe is completely showing them evil through the horrible act of slavery. She doesn't want to go through a set of lessons in teaching them right from wrong. She goes directly to the point in proving what is not okay in real life. In doing so, there is no doubt that the message of immorality is understood. However, I do see the theme of a strong bond between a mother and child in the novel. Stowe uses this bond though to really emphasize the fear and danger in the relationship of slavery and family. This fear is shown when Eliza thinks, "If it were you Harry, mother, or Willie that were going to be torn from you by a brutal trader, tomorrow morning...how fast could you walk?" (105) The idea of teaching morality is in a way twisted from the traditional way of doing so in children's novels; Stowe's theory is making sure everyone gets her message of what is right and wrong in the world

Wide, Wide World Prompt

In the Wide, Wide World, the text encourages us to view the role of parents by seeing them as teachers to children and by following what they do and say. Ellen looks up to her mother greatly, and would do anything she tells her. She shows great trust and commitment to her. When having a conversation with Mrs. Montgomery, Ellen says, " Why mamma,- in the first place, I trust every word you say-entirely-I know nothing could be truer....Then everything you tell or advise me to do, I know it is right, perfectly" (30). The reading perceives children as always being inferior to adults, and doing everything they tell them to. Another point the author shows is that children never speak up to adults, as I just stated, they are inferior to them. When Ellen was sent to go shopping for her mom all by herself, she timidly tried to make up her mind while the salesman got frustrated, threw her things on the floor, and stormed off to help someone else. An elderly man had to come help her and stand up for her; it would be disrespectful if she did so herself. 

To differentiate the role between mothers and fathers, the author creates a strong, emotional bond with the mother and child and a very distant one with the father. We hardly ever hear of anything about the father, except for that he is extremely busy. When Ellen's mom is too sick to run an errand, Ellen proposes that she ask Mr. Montgomery. Her mother responds, "No, he's too busy; and, besides, he doesn't know about shopping for me" (56). In the text, mothers are seemed to be more connected with the children and the home, and fathers rarely take a part in the family's life.

I think Ellen perceives her parents as being providers, and doing what they have to do to make ends meet and everything okay. Although her father doesn't play an important role in her life, I think she just sees him as providing financially for them, and that is all she expects of him. I think she latches on to her mother for more support. She expects her mother to give her advice and prepare her with the neccesarry tools Ellen will need in life. Throughout the text, Ellen's mother offers her wisdom through the bible, and Ellen is scared because she knows one day her mother has to leave her. When talking about the bible and love, Ellen says, " I wish you would teach me! I have only you, and I am going to lose you. What shall I do, mamma? (52). Ellen is very dependent on her mother, and only expects her to prepare her for the future.  

Themes in Children's Literature

One of the main themes throughout children's literature is education and teaching morality. This is one of the ways that author's reached not only children, but adults too in showing them maturity and responsibility through various characters.  Karen Sanchez-Eppler says in the Dependent States that "the child evoked in a wide range of cultural and political discourses in attempts to reform, direct, or influence the nation". Writers hope to reach the public in teaching them different issues facing morality.

Another theme is the presence of imagination and creativity. Children can embrace their creative side through reading by stretching their imagination. Sanchez-Eppler argues the "...discovering in children's own diary writing a remarkable conflation of these apparently antithetical understanding of writing, as liberating ideals and punitive practices merge in a single childish sentence". In this statement, the purpose is for these readings to increase ideas and have a brighter and more creative thought process. 

Family is also another theme throughout children's literature. Many stories center around a child and his or her family to press the theme of love or values. In the article by Sanchez-Eppler, she states " Thus as the family came to be recognized as the principal moral and social organizing unit of the nation... Childhood-valued for love, not labor-demonstrates the nature of this new mode of social organization...". By this theme, the reader is able to understand the importance of family and the values that go along with it. 

Preparing for the future is also another ideal in children's literature. Everything is new to children, so if they can adjust to the change, it brings a sense of comfort. It is like the reader is adhering to the change through the characters. For example, in the article, Children's Literature for a New Nation, it states, "When an American fictional literature for children began to be written, about 1820, it was a product of its time. It...was to mark all of the nineteenth century, and it reflected too the sharpened nationalism so characteristic of the Jacksonian Era..." During this time, politics were changing and it was an era of unrest and worry because of everything new that was taking place. The writings helped American's express their feelings about all the changes in America that were occurring; and helped expressed their pride. Children's literature helped bring a sense of nationalism along with new ideas, and helped the public embrace them.

Lastly, obedience is a main theme writers try to teach in their writings. Similar to the theme of morality, making sure children act responsibly and follow their parents was very important. "Obedience was the most fundamental virtue for a child to acquire" (94). I agree that this is very important, because then other children will follow by lead of example. Social responsibility is one of the main goals writers to to embed in reader's minds. 

First Entry

My name is Meredith and I am a sophomore at Texas Christian University. I am from Dallas, Texas and my major is communications.  I am so excited to start off the new year!

I chose to come to TCU for many different reasons. I really liked the distance from home. Being from Dallas, it isn't far away at all. It's only about a 45 minute drive, yet still far away enough. Also, I really love Fort Worth. It is still a nice sized city that has everything I need but it's not as busy as Dallas. I also really like how it is a smaller school and the classes are small. If I was made chancellor of TCU, the first thing I would change is I would add in a Chik Fil A next to the BLUU that accepts Frog Bucks. There really isn't anything I would change about my school, I love it! One thing I have noticed is how I have had so many great teachers here. In my opinion, a good teacher listens to their students and is open minded. Same with good students. A good student must respect their teacher even if they don't agree with him or her all the time. If I could have dinner with any three people, it would have to be Jesus, Karl Lagerfeld and Audrey Hepburn. I would want to go with Jesus because to hear his stories in person would be unreal. Karl Lagerfeld to me is so interesting. He is such a huge influence in the fashion industry and I would want to hear about his perspective. Lastly, I love Audrey Hepburn because I think she is such an icon. Three things to know about me are someday I want to be some part of the fashion industry, hopefully working for a fashion magazine or maybe a stylist. My favorite place to go to is Horseshoe Bay on lake LBJ near Marble Falls, Texas. We used to have a lakehouse there for 16 years and have so many great memories there with my family and friends. Lastly, I have a little brother, Blake, who is 16 and a little sister Kathryn who is 12. Three things I would like to know about you all are about your family, what you want to be when you grow up, and what type of music you all enjoy.

I chose to take this course because I needed it for a credit but also I have never been a huge reader so I want to learn more about some America's writers and their works. 

Like I said above, I have never been huge on reading. However, my senior year of highschool I read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Eyre. I thought is was such a beautiful, classic novel. The last book I read outside of the classroom was Twilight. I felt silly getting into the hype, but I literally read the whole thing in one day; I didn't put it down! I have always enjoyed writing, however. Besides writing papers in school, I text and write emails frequently everyday. I feel comfortable with my writing and if it is a topic I choose or have a strong opinion on I really enjoy it and it comes easy for me.

Overall, I think my blog sends the message that I am a laid back, outgoing person. I feel like I expressed a lot of who I am without telling too much. The way I introduced myself was very basic and casual. I want viewers to see my post as just an easy way to learn about me.

I have read and I understand and agree to the terms of the course syllabus.