What major theme is explored in Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin"?

The major theme explored in Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is abolitionism. This theme is central to the narrative as the book addresses the moral and social implications of slavery in the United States. Stowe seeks to humanize enslaved individuals and to evoke empathy in her readers by portraying the harsh realities and inhuman conditions that enslaved people faced. Through the stories of characters like Uncle Tom, Eliza, and others, the novel calls for the abolition of slavery and encourages readers to consider their own views and actions regarding this moral issue. Stowe's work played a significant role in influencing public opinion and the abolitionist movement in the 19th century.

Other themes like romanticism, absurdism, and realism are present in various literary works but do not encapsulate the core message of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Romanticism often celebrates emotion and nature, absurdism focuses on the irrationality of human existence, and realism aims to depict life accurately and objectively. While these themes could intersect with the narrative, they do not define the primary intention of Stowe’s novel.