Rhetorical Analysis Of Maria W. Stewart's Argument

African Americans have long struggled for equal rights and opportunities, including in 1832 when Maria W. Stewart delivered a lecture in which she argued that African Americans deserve equal capabilities to pursue job placement and advancement. Maria is able to convey her message through the use of examples and similes.
Maria uses examples in order to convey that her argument is a known issue that has struggled to find an answer due to peoples preconceived notions of African Americans at the time. When Maria explains that to “take us generously as people, we are neither lazy nor idle,” she appeals to the audience’s trust by establishing a counter argument based on a highly recognized newspaper’s article, and then refuting their ideas on why

African Americans have failed to attain the same achievements of whites at the time. This is effective because the audience may begin to share her opinions on the issue. Similarly, the speakers appeal to trust is employed when she says, “ As far as our merit deserves, we feel a common desire to rise above,” this is an effective way to persuade the audience because it causes them to realize that these workers are not happy in their positions and want to achieve as much as possible in their lives.

The writers use of these examples as a way to appeal to the audiences trust is persuasive because it is now evident that she is intelligent and her argument can now be more credible in their minds. Continuing through her lecture Maria is able to employ the use of similes in order to draw her audience in and make a connection with them. When Maria states, “ the mind barren and like the scorching sands of Arabia, produces nothing,” This appeals to the audiences emotions by creating a connection with the audience that toys with the fact that most people are empathetic. This is effective because the audience is led to see what kind of emotional toll is taken on those who may work for the individuals in the audience. Similarly, the speakers appeal to the emotions of the audience is employed when she immediately continues her comparisons by phrasing that, “like the uncultivated soil, brings forth thorns and thistles” this is effective because it provides an easier

way for her audience to realize what the origins of their preconceived notions are . The writers use of these comparisons is able to be emotionally appealing to the audience due to the fact that her audience may not have had the chance before to hear from someone who has a more personal connection with the issues at hand.
Through many specific choices Maria W. Stewart is able to provide clear and strong evidence that African Americans are well deserving of better opportunities and makes it clear to her audience that other arguments as to why change hadn't occurred yet were invalid.