Sojourner Truth's Speech Questions

Which of the following best describes the tone of Sojourner Truth's speech?

• Sarcastic and ironic

• Solemn and reflective

• Humorous and lighthearted

• Angry and vengeful

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

In 'Ain't I a Woman?', Truth uses the phrase 'Ain’t I a woman?' repeatedly. This repetition serves to:

• Emphasize her strength and identity as a woman

• Express her disbelief in the oppression of women

• Make a direct challenge to male superiority

• All of the above

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Which of the following statements best illustrates the use of satire in the speech?

• Truth questions the logic of men who claim women are weak by highlighting her own physical strength.

• Truth laments the unfair treatment of women and calls for sympathy from her audience.

• Truth makes fun of men’s inability to understand women’s struggles.

• Truth explains that women must follow traditional gender roles to earn respect.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

The repetition of the phrase 'Ain't I a woman?' in Sojourner Truth's speech is an example of irony, as Truth uses it to critique the societal expectations of women.

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Truth’s use of the rhetorical question 'Ain't I a woman?' serves to mock those who deny women the rights and dignity granted to men.

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

How does Sojourner Truth use humor or irony to highlight the contradictions in the way women, particularly Black women, were treated during her time? Provide specific examples from the speech.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Explain how Truth’s reference to her physical labor and strength serves as a satirical critique of the prevailing views about women's abilities.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Read the excerpt below from Sojourner Truth’s speech: 'I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! 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!' Based on this excerpt, how does Truth use satire to challenge gender and racial stereotypes? What is the effect of juxtaposing her strength with the traditional idea of a woman's frailty?

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3