AP Success - AP English Language: "Ain't I a Woman?"
At the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention held in Akron, Ohio, Sojourner Truth delivered what is now recognized as one of the most famous abolitionist and women’s rights speeches in American history
Source 1Well, children, where there is so much racket there must besomething out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the negroes ofthe South and the women at the North, all talking aboutrights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But5what's all this here talking about?That man over there says that women need to be helped intocarriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the bestplace everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or10over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I awoman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed andplanted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me!And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much asa man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And15ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seenmost all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with mymother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I awoman?20Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's thisthey call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"]That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rightsor negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, andyours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have25my little half measure full?Then that little man in black there, he says women can'thave as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman!Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come30from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turnthe world upside down all alone, these women together oughtto be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again!35And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain'tgot nothing more to say.
1
The speaker's repetition of the phrase "And ain't I a woman?" (lines 10, 13, 18) primarily serves to:
Emphasize the commonality of all women's experiences.
Question the audience's perception of her personal identity.
Illustrate her confusion about her own gender identity.
Challenge societal stereotypes about women's roles and abilities.
Highlight the physical differences between men and women.
2
In context, the phrase "something out of kilter" (line 1) most nearly means:
An upcoming event of significance.
An unexpected opportunity.
A situation that is ideal or perfect.
Something that is wrong or unbalanced.
A dangerous situation.
3
The speaker's tone in the passage can best be described as:
Indifferent and uninterested.
Humorous and light-hearted.
Confrontational and assertive.
Bitter and resentful.
Hopeful and optimistic.
4
The "man over there" (line 7) likely represents:
A hypothetical character created for the purpose of the argument.
A specific individual with whom the speaker has a personal grievance.
A literal person present at the event where the speech is given.
A particular ideology or perspective on women's roles.
Men in general, as the audience for her message.
5
The mention of "thirteen children" (line 15) is used by the speaker to:
Compare her experiences with those of the men listening.
Illustrate the common experiences of women in her situation.
Undermine the arguments of those who question her capabilities.
Highlight her personal achievements and resilience.
Provide a statistical basis for her argument about women's rights.
6
The phrase "this thing in the head" (line 20) likely refers to:
A metaphor for personal intuition.
A symbol of societal expectations.
A popular hairstyle or fashion.
Intelligence or reasoning ability.
A physical ailment or disease.
7
The speaker's use of rhetorical questions (e.g., lines 11, 14, 18) primarily functions to:
Display her own uncertainty and doubt about the issues discussed.
Encourage the audience to actively engage with her argument.
Criticize the audience for their lack of knowledge or awareness.
Confuse the audience and obscure her main points.
Provide direct answers and solutions to the problems she raises.
8
The reference to "carriages" and "mud-puddles" (lines 7-9) is intended to:
Emphasize the physical challenges she has faced.
Highlight the advancements in transportation and infrastructure.
Illustrate the luxurious lifestyle of women at the time.
Contrast her experiences with those of other women.
Undermine the arguments of those advocating for women's fragility.
9
The overall structure of the passage can best be described as:
A logical progression from general observations to specific examples.
A linear narrative recounting specific personal experiences.
A circular argument that repeats the same points for emphasis.
A detailed comparison of different types of women's experiences.
An argument built around a series of related rhetorical questions.
10
The speaker's reference to "rights" (lines 4, 22) primarily serves to:
Undermine the legitimacy of the rights being discussed.
Emphasize the core theme of equality and justice in her speech.
Distinguish between different categories of rights.
Align herself with contemporary political movements.
Assert her legal expertise and knowledge.
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