The misery of slavery exposed in Uncle Tom's CabinUncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beacher Stowe addresses the issue of slavery in close conformity with the style of Frederick Douglas's narrative. A theme that Stowe strongly emphasizes to the reader is that of the degenerative effects of slavery on both slave and master. The question is frequently raised in the novel. Even Mrs. Shelby recognizes the depravity and admits that slavery “is a bitter, bitter, and most accursed thing – a curse to the master and a curse to the slave!” » (45). The injustices of slavery are frequently identified in the novel. but, of course, the practice continues. Many of those who held slaves were sensitive to the problem. Mr. Shelby, for example, is not happy with the idea but enjoys the benefits of what he sees as a necessity. The inherent problem of slavery is raised again when John Van Trompe is described. Its worn appearance is attributed to “the functioning of a system equally bad for the oppressor as for the oppressed” (105). The novel also skillfully demonstrates the absurdities and contradictions of slavery. For example, Mr. Shelby's actions strongly contradict his statements. He considers himself a good Christian with true respect for his slaves. Yet the fact that he owns slaves goes against everything he says and although his treatment of slaves is better than that of most masters, he still does not respect them. For example, in the first chapter, when Shelby and Haley are discussing the ensuing exchange, Harry enters the room and Shelby makes him dance like a clown and then throws raisins at him. Additionally, Mr. Harris, a slave owner, in defending his move, George asserts that “this is a free country, sir; man's mine” (24). It is also ironic that after George invents a machine for cleaning hemp, the employer congratulates not George, but George's master for owning such a good slave. Another example that effectively illustrates the strong contradictions and absurdities of slavery and slave owners is Haley's philosophy regarding the proper treatment of slaves. Haley, whose practice involves buying and selling people, says that "it's always best to do what's human" (16) and that it's good to have a conscience, "just a little, you know , to swear only by" (16) (13). Another subject often discussed in the novel is the exclusion of blacks in the law and the injustice of the condition as a whole..