Uncle Tom's Cabin: Miscegenation Discourse

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Cora is evidence of miscegenation, a form of bodily politics in which a ‘dangerous mixing of “white blood” and “black blood” [occur], casting social practises as biological essences’ (Sollors 2000, p.62). Miscegenation has been used since the nineteenth century, which saw interracial sexual relations and interracial marriages. The fearful mixing allows for them to be analysed ‘as a genre, miscegenation discourse’ (Sollors 2000, p.62). Within both novels miscegenation discourse is present; however, the two novels differ in their representations. Racial differencing through miscegenation questions the authors reasoning to use mixed race characters and how they define ‘property of representation’ (Sollors 2000, p.63). This highlights the racial …show more content…

Compared with Cora, Eliza is portrayed and viewed by other characters in an opposing way - as within the slave system they treated ‘virtually any fractional admixture of Negro blood (as little as 1 sixty 4) as a dominate and decisive in the determination of race’ (Sollors 2000, p. 393). This means Eliza is a form of property and is treated the same as the “pure blooded” characters within Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Her initial description reflects the characteristics of an African female, such as her ‘brown complexion and black hair’ (Stowe 1995, 6). This imagery of the body reflects a tragic mulatto and highlights how Eliza’s ‘womanliness, her virtual whiteness and her training under Mrs Shelby all serve to mitigate her natural or “animal” passion’ (Stoneley, 1999, p. 60). Her animalistic nature commented on here and “black blood” often overtakes her whiteness within the novel which is similar in the portrayal of Cora. As seen through Cora, Eliza also shows biological determinism when she transforms from a stereotypical passive slave to a brave and courageous woman who risks everything for her son. Eliza’s desire for freedom leads her to running away with her son, a desire which is supported using melodrama. It is her fiery and brave mixed race soul which gives her the courage and strength to do such a dangerous and traitorous act, knowing that if she was to get caught she and her son would be punished. Stowe’s use of hybridity in Eliza’s racial representation makes her determination and intelligence a form of genetic inheritance, an insight into her “white blood”. Eliza’s partly white genetics mean she is highly able to succeed in her rebellious escape. Her journey across the dangerous Ohio River sees Eliza suffer and her spiritual hope and trust in God’s

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