Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to the Author-1

1.2 Introduction to Uncle Tom's Cabin-2

1.3 Literature Review-3

1.4 Thesis Structure-4

Chapter Two Instinct Theory-5

2.1 Definition of Instinct Theory-5

2.2 Origin and Development-5

Chapter Three Instinct of Maternal Love-6

3.1 The Different Temperament of Black Mothers-6

3.1.1 Eliza —— a Brave Mother-6

3.1.2 Casey —— a Cowardly Mother-6

3.1.3 The Same Instinct of Maternal Love on Different Temperament-7

3.2 The Different Nature of White Mothers-8

3.2.1 Eva’s Mother —— a Selfish Mother-8

3.2.2 Legree's Mother —— a Virtuous Mother-9

3.2.3 The Same Instinct of Maternal Love on Different Nature-9

3.3 Analysis of Black Mothers and White Mothers-10

Chapter Four Conclusion-12

References-13

Abstract

Uncle Tom’s Cabin is Mrs. Stowe’s masterpiece. The novel was written in the 1850s and in this period the romantic literature was flourishing. It creates profound influence on American literature development to the realistic literature. It becomes one of the important fuses which brought about the Civil War and prompted the victory of the justice party led by Lincoln.

This thesis mainly discusses the instinct of maternal love lying in the book. No matter what mothers they are, white or black, brave or cowardly, selfish or virtuous, they share the same thing. That’s the instinct of maternal love. Maybe that’s also what the author wants to show to her readers.

Keywords: Uncle Tom's Cabin  Mrs. Stowe  Maternal Love  Slavery