Activity

Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the Fugitive Slave Act

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the Fugitive Slave Act activity also includes:

From the time of its publication, Uncle Tom's Cabin has been controversial. To better understand the debate, class members first examine a broadside decrying the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, and then two newspaper reviews of the novel that espouse very different points of view of Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Coordinate the reading of the novel in language arts classes with a study of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 in social studies classes
Classroom Considerations
  • Although the broadside and the newspaper reviews of Uncle Tom's Cabin in the resource are difficult to read, readable versions are linked
  • The resource includes a caution that the language used in the newspaper articles is considered offensive today
  • Establish a protocol for a safe, respectful discussion of controversial issues and language
Pros
  • The lesson is designed to develop critical thinking and media literacy skills
Cons
  • None
Common Core