Comparing Christian Ideals In Heaven, By Harriet Jacobs And Harriet Stowe
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Harriet Jacobs and Harriet Stowe have more in common than just their first name, they both successfully thrust slavery into the limelight with powerful narratives that unapologetically showcased the harsh realities of slavery. Both woman wove religion and Christian ideals into their tales, but in very different ways. In Stowe’s essay good Christians are depicted as people that in addition to going to church and praying habitually, are caring and compassionate to slaves. In Jacob’s essay Heaven is depicted less of a beautiful and sacred land, but more of a final resting place for slaves where the cruelties of earth can no longer get to them. Jacob’s also wonders aloud if those that claim to uphold Christian ideals practice what they preach- do unto other as you would want them to do to you.…show more content… Stowe eloquently illustrates what makes a good Christian, and one of the main components to being a good Christian is compassion for slaves and the abhorrence of slavery altogether. This can be seen in chapter 9 of Uncle Tom’s Cabin when the Senator’s wife describes a law that forbids people from giving food and drink to runaway slaves as “cruel and unchristian”(Stowe 792). The senators wife also goes onto say that she intends to follow the bible which instructs her to “feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the desolate” (Stowe 792). The wife mentioning the bible and Christianity in general while she explains why she is so passionate about helping slaves suggest that she strongly relates Christianity with compassion for slaves. This point is driven home when she goes onto say that not helping slaves is