Stanton’s Stand for Women’s Right

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"We must have our freedom now. We must have the right to vote. We must have equal protection of the law." These were Martin Luther King Jr.’s words in
1965 and even though he was fighting for the rights of African Americans, what he said can be related to many other situations in the world such as prejudice against other minorities. Elizabeth Cady Stanton had the same ideas in her speech about women’s rights. In 1848 she gave a speech fighting for women and showing her opposition to the gender roles in society. Just like other great public speakers, Stanton used rhetorical strategies such as allusions, rhetorical questions, alliteration, and “rule of three” to persuade people to see women as equals.
One of the major rhetorical strategies Stanton used was allusion. She used many allusions in her speech but one that really commands attention is her allusion to Joan of Arc. Joan of Arc was a brave woman who helped France and inspired the troops to win the war they were fighting. Stanton was trying to get women to do the same. She wanted women to take the rights they deserved and the equal chances they desired. Stanton also alluded to Joel 2:28. This verse says, “And it shall come to pass afterwards, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” When she said this she reminded everyone that God included daughters too and women are fulfilling what the prophet told long ago. One of the final things she alluded to was the Christian republic in the nineteenth century. She wanted the laws limiting the rights of women “erased form our statute books, deeming them a shame and a disgrace to a Christian Republic in the nineteenth century.” She used historical references to persuade women and m...

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... three critical areas of moral development and responsibility. The point of this statement was to remind women that they have a voice and they are being cut short of all they can do by laws telling them they are not good enough just because they are women.
Using these rhetorical strategies, Elizabeth Cady Stanton delivered a powerful speech to both supporters and non-supporters of her mission. The way she used these rhetorical strategies really influenced the audience to take a stand against the prejudice imposed on women and eventually women were given more rights. Stanton went above and beyond in helping other women escape from oppression and just like other great speakers she will be remembered. However, she will not be just remembered for what she did in helping people, she will be remembered for her inspiring words and ability to give such stimulating speeches.

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