Space and Symbol in Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the Octoroon

In this study, we have examined the issue of slavery before the civil war in the light of space and symbol in early adaptation plays of american theatre; uncle tom’s cabin by george l. aiken and the octoroon by dion boucicault. these plays revolve around the slavery issue in american history and its destructive effects on individuals and families. our choice of space and symbol in the analysis of these plays stems from their functions to reveal the hidden messages penetrated into the plays by the authors. as a conclusion, we have reached out that uncle tom’s cabin and the octoroon not only criticize slavery, race discrimination and their destructive effects on individuals, but also emphasize the necessity of human dignity, honor, and humanistic values against inequalities and injustices in society.