Question

Read this excerpt from a speech that could have been given in the 1800s by a women’s rights activist.

If women are to have any power in society, they must not act like themselves. They must act like men. If they do not, men will not take them seriously. If women do not value money more than hard work—surely it is because they cannot manage money! If women feel sorry for the poor, the sick, and the imprisoned—surely it is because they are too emotional!

How does the use of irony affect the meaning of the excerpt?

It summarizes the advice men give to women.
It argues that women should be more like men.
It explains that men are more serious than women.
It emphasizes how unfairly women are judged by men.

Answer 1

The use of irony in the excerpt emphasizes how unfairly women are judged by men.

Step-by-step explanation:

The use of irony in the excerpt emphasizes how unfairly women are judged by men. Irony is a rhetorical device that involves saying one thing but meaning the opposite. In this case, the speaker is pretending to agree with the notion that women should act like men to be taken seriously, but the irony is that the speaker is actually criticizing this belief. By showcasing the absurdity of the expectations placed on women, the use of irony highlights the unfair judgment and stereotypes women face.