Ain T I A Woman

A critical examination of Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, and Sojourner Truth’s acclaimed speech “Ain’t I a Woman?”, provides an understanding of the history of feminism and the manner in which they are relevant in a contemporary setting. Each of these texts contributes to the question of “What is a woman?” in regards to the patriarchal past, where man establishes himself as the norm and females are depicted as the other. The general conception is that men are the arbitrators of the question “What is a woman?”, reasoning that a women’s status depends on man. History has also witnessed an uprising against these ideals, where the basis of nature and the meaning of women have been reevaluated. As part of the women’s
She formed her argument for education around the basic human right to learn and to think. Looking at Wollstonecraft’s background, she was extremely educated and because of this, she felt that if all women had the same opportunities she did, there would be more women to help create a balanced and productive society. In collaboration with friends and family, Wollstonecraft established a school in Newington Green, despite being a woman in patriarchal England (bio.com). All of women’s worst characteristics come from the notion of lacking proper education and learning to value superficial things. In regards to opportunities for women, she says: “Business of various kinds they might likewise pursue, if they were educated in a more orderly manner, which might save many from common and legal prostitution. Women would not then marry for a support, as men accept of places under government, and neglect the implied duties” (Wollstonecraft 15). Wollstonecraft places confidence in the idea that women can overcome the stereotype and be as constructive as men if they receive proper training. This theme can also be applied to the African Americans who, even after receiving their freedom, did not have the privilege of quality
She deliberates the fact that, being both black and female, discrimination conflicts with the ability of women in society. Both black and female, the point of Truth’s argument is defending the female voice, and contending that it must not be suppressed. Truth’s speech reinforces the idea that female expression has a capacity to assert itself and there should be more female opinions in society. In a way, Truth’s argument is similar to that of Wollstonecraft’s, stating that women have the potential of being equally productive as men. Thus, her position reflects that of Wollstonecraft in its attempts to attack the premises that support the inequality between men and women. Truth reveals her past experience with slavery and says: “I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold to slavery” (Truth 3). In this excerpt, Truth depicts her strength through racial discrimination and slavery, claiming: “When I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me!” (Truth 3). In this passage, Truth provokes an emotional response from the audience, depicting her isolation from