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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 1

Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be

something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the negroes of

the South and the women at the North, all talking about

rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But

what's all this here talking about?

That man over there says that women need to be helped into

carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best

place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or

over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a

woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and

planted, 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 as

a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And

ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen

most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my

mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a

woman?

Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this

they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"]

That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights

or negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and

yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have

my little half measure full?

Then that little man in black there, he says women can't

have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman!

Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come

from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.

If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn

the world upside down all alone, these women together ought

to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again!

And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.

Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't

got nothing more to say.

Question 1

Multiple choice

The speaker's repetition of the phrase "And ain't I a woman?" (lines 10, 13, 18) primarily serves to:

Illustrate her confusion about her own gender identity.
Emphasize the commonality of all women's experiences.
Question the audience's perception of her personal identity.
Highlight the physical differences between men and women.
Challenge societal stereotypes about women's roles and abilities.

Question 2

Multiple choice

In context, the phrase "something out of kilter" (line 1) most nearly means:

A situation that is ideal or perfect.
An upcoming event of significance.
Something that is wrong or unbalanced.
A dangerous situation.
An unexpected opportunity.

Question 3

Multiple choice

The speaker's tone in the passage can best be described as:

Hopeful and optimistic.
Confrontational and assertive.
Bitter and resentful.
Indifferent and uninterested.
Humorous and light-hearted.

Question 4

Multiple choice

The "man over there" (line 7) likely represents:

A hypothetical character created for the purpose of the argument.
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.
A specific individual with whom the speaker has a personal grievance.

Question 5

Multiple choice

The mention of "thirteen children" (line 15) is used by the speaker to:

Compare her experiences with those of the men listening.
Provide a statistical basis for her argument about women's rights.
Undermine the arguments of those who question her capabilities.
Illustrate the common experiences of women in her situation.
Highlight her personal achievements and resilience.

Question 6

Multiple choice

The phrase "this thing in the head" (line 20) likely refers to:

A symbol of societal expectations.
A metaphor for personal intuition.
A popular hairstyle or fashion.
Intelligence or reasoning ability.
A physical ailment or disease.

Question 7

Multiple choice

The speaker's use of rhetorical questions (e.g., lines 11, 14, 18) primarily functions to:

Criticize the audience for their lack of knowledge or awareness.
Provide direct answers and solutions to the problems she raises.
Display her own uncertainty and doubt about the issues discussed.
Encourage the audience to actively engage with her argument.
Confuse the audience and obscure her main points.

Question 8

Multiple choice

The reference to "carriages" and "mud-puddles" (lines 7-9) is intended to:

Highlight the advancements in transportation and infrastructure.
Undermine the arguments of those advocating for women's fragility.
Contrast her experiences with those of other women.
Emphasize the physical challenges she has faced.
Illustrate the luxurious lifestyle of women at the time.

Question 9

Multiple choice

The overall structure of the passage can best be described as:

A circular argument that repeats the same points for emphasis.
A logical progression from general observations to specific examples.
A detailed comparison of different types of women's experiences.
An argument built around a series of related rhetorical questions.
A linear narrative recounting specific personal experiences.

Question 10

Multiple choice

The speaker's reference to "rights" (lines 3, 22) primarily serves to:

Undermine the legitimacy of the rights being discussed.
Distinguish between different categories of rights.
Emphasize the core theme of equality and justice in her speech.
Align herself with contemporary political movements.
Assert her legal expertise and knowledge.

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