A Review of Uncle Tom's Cabin; or, An Essay on Slavery

by A. Woodward

"A Review of Uncle Tom's Cabin; or, An Essay on Slavery" by A. Woodward is a critical examination written in the mid-19th century. This work engages with the contentious issue of slavery, largely focusing on its portrayal in Harriet Beecher Stowe's influential novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Woodward aims to refute the anti-slavery arguments posited in Stowe's work and to advocate for a perspective that defends the institution of slavery in the South, arguing that emancipation would lead to greater social and moral dilemmas. At the start of the text, the author shares his motivations for writing, revealing his personal struggles and reflections prompted by the ongoing national discourse on slavery. Woodward expresses concern about the adverse effects of abolitionist literature on public opinion, suggesting such works misrepresent the Southern people and exacerbate sectional tensions. He acknowledges the existence of wrongs within slavery but contends that they are exaggerated by Northern writers, emphasizing the need for a balanced representation that considers the realities faced by both slaves and their masters. By examining the complexities surrounding the institution, Woodward sets the tone for a thorough critique of abolitionist sentiments and a defense of Southern society as portrayed in literature like "Uncle Tom's Cabin."