Central Ideas in A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

Read the excerpt from A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Let there be then no coercion established in society, and the common law of gravity prevailing, the sexes will fall into their proper places. And, now that more equitable laws are forming your citizens, marriage may become more sacred: your young men may choose wives from motives of affection, and your maidens allow love to root out vanity.

Read the excerpt from Woman in the Nineteenth Century by Margaret Fuller. Yet, then and only then will mankind be ripe for this, when inward and outward freedom for Woman as much as for Man shall be acknowledged as a right, not yielded as a concession. As the friend of the negro assumes that one man cannot by right hold another in bondage, so should the friend of Woman assume that Man cannot by right lay even well-meant restrictions on Woman. If the negro be a soul, if the woman be a soul, apparelled in flesh, to one Master only are they accountable.

Read the excerpt from A History of Women's Suffrage by Stanton, Anthony, and Gage. It would be nearer the truth to say the [gender] difference indicates different duties in the same sphere, seeing that man and woman were evidently made for each other, and have shown equal capacity in the ordinary range of human duties. In governing nations, leading armies, piloting ships across the sea, rowing life-boats in terrific gales; in art, science, invention, literature, woman has proved herself the complement of man in the world of thought and action. This difference does not compel us to spread our tables with different food for man and woman, nor to provide in our common schools a different course of study for boys and girls. Sex pervades all nature, yet the male and female tree and vine and shrub rejoice in the same sunshine and shade. The earth and air are free to all the fruits and flowers, yet each absorbs what best ensures its growth.

Read the excerpt from A History of Women's Suffrage by Stanton, Anthony, and Gage. Another writer asserts that the tyranny of man over woman has its roots, after all, in his nobler feelings; his love, his chivalry, and his desire to protect woman in the barbarous periods of pillage, lust, and war. But wherever the roots may be traced, the results at this hour are equally disastrous to woman. Her best interests and happiness do not seem to have been consulted in the arrangements made for her protection. She has been bought and sold, caressed and crucified at the will and pleasure of her master. But if a chivalrous desire to protect woman has always been the mainspring of man's dominion over her, it should have prompted him to place in her hands the same weapons of defense he has found to be most effective against wrong and oppression.

Read the paragraph. When young people are encouraged to take risks, they build confidence in their own decision-making skills and capabilities. Consider Winston, a ninth grader willing to try out for a varsity sport or a competitive performance band. He risks failure and personal embarrassment, but he learns the tryout process. He may also learn his personal strengths and shortcomings. Whether he is met with success or not, the risk-taking experience fosters self-reflection and growth.

Read the paragraph. The Gonzales family offers an impressive example of environmental consciousness. Family members turn off lights and electronics as they leave their rooms. When the family is gone for the day, the air conditioning is set at a slightly higher temperature to reduce cooling costs. Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales use reusable grocery bags that the family stores in the pantry. A backyard garden provides more than half of the vegetables that the family consumes, and rain barrels are used to irrigate the crops.

How can the topic "homework for students" be presented as an argument?

Read the excerpt from A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. For surely, Sir, you will not assert, that a duty can be binding which is not founded on reason? If indeed this be their destination, arguments may be drawn from reason: and thus augustly supported, the more understanding women acquire, the more they will be attached to their duty—comprehending it—for unless they comprehend it, unless their morals be fixed on the same immutable principle as those of man, no authority can make them discharge it in a virtuous manner. They may be convenient slaves, but slavery will have its constant effect, degrading the master and the abject dependent.

Read the excerpt from A History of Women's Suffrage by Stanton, Anthony, and Gage. The broader demand for political rights has not commanded the thought its merits and dignity should have secured. While complaining of many wrongs and oppressions, women themselves did not see that the political disability of sex was the cause of all their special grievances, and that to secure equality anywhere, it must be recognized everywhere. Like all disfranchised classes, they begun by asking to have certain wrongs redressed, and not by asserting their own right to make laws for themselves.