Uncle Tom’s Cabin Assignment
UNCLE TOM’S CABIN Editorial
Uncle Tom’s Cabin, written by Harriet Beecher Stowe in 1852, had a tremendous impact on the North and the South. It is
often said that the book is one of the causes of the Civil War. The book was made into a play which allowed the message of
the book to spread to even more people.
Choose one of the options below.
Choice 1: Editorial Review of Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Imagine that you are a writer for a newspaper and you have just read Uncle Tom’s Cabin, or seen the play. You may choose
to write from a Northern or Southern perspective. Write an editorial article reviewing the story of
Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Use facts from our discussions in class, the textbook, and the summary that you read of the book to
support the opinion that a Southerner or Northerner in 1852 would have of the play. Your
article should clearly show the opinions of the perspective you chose. You may also need to look up some more information
to support your opinion.
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The article must be at least three paragraphs long (newspaper length paragraphs)
Typed or written, if written it must be done so in ink
Give the article a creative title (think of an appropriate newspaper headline)
** An editorial is….an article in a newspaper or other periodical or on a website presenting the opinion of the publisher,
writer, or editor.
Choice 2: Political Cartoon on Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Imagine that you are a cartoonist for a newspaper and you have just read Uncle Tom’s Cabin, or seen the play. You may
choose to create a cartoon from a Northern or Southern perspective. Draw an editorial
cartoon on the topic of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Use facts from our discussions in class, the textbook, and the summary that you
read of the book to support the opinion that a Southern or Northern editorialist in 1852
would have of the play. Your cartoon should clearly show the opinions of the perspective you chose. You may look up some
more information to support your opinion.
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The cartoon must be drawn by hand and colorful (on 8 ½ x 11 paper)
Cartoon must convey a political message regarding Uncle Tom’s Cabin (should have some text on it)
Give the cartoon a creative title (relating to the message of your cartoon)
**From www.loc.gov (Library of Congress)
Political Cartoons: Pictures with a Point - A political cartoon is a cartoon that makes a point about a political issue or event. You
can find them in any daily newspaper, but they won’t be in the comics section. Instead, look on the editorial pages – they’re right next
to the editorial columns, and across from the opinion essays. You can also find them in newsmagazines and on political Web sites.
Political cartoons can be very funny, especially if you understand the issue that they’re commenting on. Their main purpose,
though, is not to amuse you but to persuade you. A good political cartoon makes you think about current events, but it also tries to
sway your opinion toward the cartoonist’s point of view. The best political cartoonist can change your mind on an issue without you
even realizing how he or she did it.
The article or cartoon is due on _______________ and is worth 20 points.