Central Ideas in A Vindication of the Rights of Woman — Quiz
Question 9 • English IV
Read the excerpt from A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. In this style, argue tyrants of every denomination, from the weak king to the weak father of a family; they are all eager to crush reason; yet always assert that they usurp its throne only to be useful. Do you not act a similar part, when you force all women, by denying them civil and political rights, to remain immured in their families groping in the dark? For surely, Sir, you will not assert, that a duty can be binding which is not founded on reason? Which statement paraphrases Wollstonecraft’s argument?
Answer
A
Women are toiling in the dark, unaware of new laws that are being considered.
B
By ignoring women’s demands, men are weakening the family structure.
C
By refusing women rights, men are enslaving women in their current roles.
D
Men strive to be kings and fathers because they prefer leadership roles.
Explanation
Wollstonecraft compares men who deny women civil and political rights to tyrants who suppress reason while claiming to act for others’ benefit. She says this denial confines women to their families, “groping in the dark.” Choice A best paraphrases that argument: men are keeping women trapped in their existing roles.
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