Controversy occasionally makes others take notice of what would other wise be overlooked. Both Harriet Beecher Stowe and Lillian Hellman use controversy as a means to introduce "delicate" topics to the mainstream public. In Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" she deals with the issue of slavery which, at the time was extensively practiced and condemned by few. In comparison Hellman's "The Children's Hour" introduced a subject matter that was virtually unheard of at the time, homosexuality.
             While both authors are similar in their use of controversial issues to get their point across they differ in their subject matter, writing technique, and tone. Hellman's style is arranged in a more ironic manner with a subtle use of humor. The way in which she writes exempts the feelings and thoughts of the characters which in turn, forces the reader to determine the mind-set of the characters for themselves. She also writes the story in such a way that the characters themselves don't even know their own feelings until something happens to bring it out. "It's funny; it's all mixed up. There's something in you, and you don't know it and you don't do anything about it. Suddenly something happens-and there you are seeing it for the first time. In some way I've ruined your life. I have ruined my own. I didn't even know."
             In contrast all of the characters in Stowe's story express strong feelings and opinions. Stowe uses her words in a blunt manner with a touch or sarcasm so slight that one may not even recognize the true meaning of her words. "If any of our refined and Christian readers object to the society into which this scene introduces them, let us beg them to begin and conquer their prejudices in time." Stowe also throws in her own personal narrations to express her strong position about (what she feels to be) the questionab...