Central Ideas in A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
Question 15 • AZ-English Language Arts 12 A
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 prote
Answer
T
Throughout history, men have strived to protect women through chivalrous action and guardianship.
W
Women have always been subservient to men because they have needed protection during war and pillage.
M
Men have not been successful protecting women because they have not given women the power to protect themselves.
D
During times of war, men and women rely on one another for defense, and they each have weapons for battle.
Explanation
The excerpt acknowledges that men’s control over women may have begun with a desire to protect them, but it says the result has been disastrous and women’s interests were not considered. Choice C best reflects this criticism: protection did not give women the power to protect or govern themselves. The passage does not claim that women have always needed protection, as choice B suggests.
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