Question

In her "Speech After Being Convicted of Voting," Susan B. Anthony argues that though she voted in a presidential election during a period when American women were not allowed to vote, she "not only committed no crime, but instead, simply exercised [her] citizen's rights." Does Anthony succeed in proving this point? Why or why not? Be sure to use specific details from the text to support your claim

Answer 1

Although Anthony was charged guilty, her recognized speech had an effectiveness in persuading her audience members. She had created her works based on objective beliefs of her fellow feminists. She presented her points with facts and less emotional attachments other speeches were known for. An example is how she used the Fourteenth Amendment as a basis for argument. Another is her questioning the true meaning of the Constitution's consent for citizens to create governance input. Both men and women understood her points then accepted them with little criticism. Her evident passion to reach out unto small numbers also made the speech effective.

Answer 2

Susan B. Anthony argues that, although legally not allowed to vote, she is entitled to participate in the country's running because of her condition of citizen. She is successful in arguing this point, as she provides strong evidence for her position. For example, she describes how the Constitution makes all people equal, and does not distinguish between men and women. She also describes how women display all the conditions of "humanity" one could expect, and therefore, do not deserve to be treated like inferior beings by the law.