Argument. In nonfiction writing, argument is the case for accepting or rejecting a proposition or course of action. As you read this speech, you will notice that Sojourner Truth mentions her opponents’ arguments against women’s rights as well as her arguments for women’s rights.
Repetition. Repetition is a writer’s conscious reuse of a sound, word, phrase, or other element. As you read, identify a phrase that Truth repeats throughout her speech.
Colloquialism and Tone. Colloquialism is the use of informal language. Tone is the emotional attitude toward a subject implied by a literary work. As you read Truth’s speech, look for the colloquial expressions that she uses and try to determine the tone.
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Truth gave her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech at the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. According to a review of her speech at that time, “One of the most unique and interesting speeches of the Convention was made by Sojourner Truth, an emancipated slave. It is impossible to transfer it to paper, or convey any adequate idea of the effect it produced upon the audience. Those only can appreciate it who saw her powerful form, her whole-souled, earnest gesture, and listened to her strong and truthful tones.” In her colloquial speech, Truth answers opponents to women’s rights with forceful arguments, including personal testimony.
As you read, create a list of both sets of arguments. Use a chart like the following.
If someone belittled you for something outside your control, such as your race, sex, or religion, how do you think you would react?
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