Cassy's example of her kindness was in the plantation with tom, Stow writes "she had several times put cotton on toms basket." (Pg 403) Cassy had several traits she knew music French and embroidery. Eliza on the other hand also knew embroidery and how to write and read. At this time in history these were good values of true womanhood. Ms. Marie St. Clare was considered an upper class woman. Stow used this character to show that some upper class people were not as pious, sentimental, and domestic as other lower class women can be. Remember that in the 19th century true womanhood values were to be nurturing, domestic and proactive around the house. Ms. Marie St. Clare was described by Stow as "not a good house keeper, nor her mother. Indolent and childish-(Pg 234) In fact, Ms. Marie St. Clare had no special traits. Moreover, some other differences that Stow depicted in class were in between George Harris and Uncle Tom. George was as example of the self made man, educated and with a lot of initiative, while Tom was the perfect self-righteous and pious man. George Harris was described by Stow as, "Hi in spirits, held himself erect and talked so fluently."(Pg 13) On the other hand Tom was described as "steady, honest capable, sensible and very pious."(Pg 2) My opinion in this comparison is that Stow is trying to portray black men with both sentimental and great management abilities. .
Stow emphasized differences in gender more than class because women in that era had more compassion for humanity and were not as recognized and valued as men. Mr. Bird and Ms. Ophelia were considered middle class but had completely different political standings. Mr. Bird was part of the senate while Ms. Ophelia was a domestic and educated woman from the north. In the novel Mr. Bird had approved a law prohibiting anybody to help run away slaves. On the other hand, Ms. Ophelia also had her own doubts on helping and educating slaves.
