Discuss the author's attitude toward her black characters. Do you think this was an acceptable point of view at the time? What do you think would have to be changed if the story were being told today?

I think the novel has to be looked at in context of the time. From this view things were as they were. The story reflected the time and was, if anything, compassionate to the plight of slaves. It really depends what kind of author might be telling this story today. A well researched author could very well turn out a book with similar themes and characters.