Children Quote by Harriet Beecher Stowe
““Now, there's no way with servants, but to put them down, and keep them down. It was always natural to me, from a child. Eva is enough to spoil a whole house-full. What will she do when she comes to keep house herself, I'm sure I don't know. I hold to being kind to servants - I always am; but you must make 'em know their place. Eva never does; there's no getting into the child's head the first beginning of an idea what a servant's place is! You heard her offering to take care of me nights, to let Mammy sleep! That's just a specimen of the way the child would be doing all the time, if she was left to herself.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1852
Children learn social hierarchies early, often reinforcing servant-master dynamics without questioning them.
In simple terms: Kids accept servant roles as natural.
Key Takeaway
Teach empathy and equality early.
Themes
social hierarchy
childhood
class
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
literary
social commentary
When to use this quote
- education
- family upbringing
- social reform
Key Concepts
servitude
socialization
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we challenge inherited class roles?
- What lessons teach children respect for all?
A Different Perspective
Rigid roles can limit personal growth.
