Final answer:
The question aims to discern Louisa Cheves McCord's views on femininity and how her position as an educated, privileged southern woman shaped her understanding of gender relations. Garrison's analysis of women's rights through historical texts showcases the evolution of gender roles. The inclusion of contemporary texts enhances Garrison's arguments on the subject matter.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question seeks to understand the characteristics of femininity and gender relations that Louisa Cheves McCord promotes, considering her background as an educated southern woman of high social standing. McCord's perspective on womanly virtues is likely influenced by her social status, which could yield a more traditional viewpoint due to her place in society. As an educated woman of her time, her views on gender relations would reflect the values and expectations of women in the southern United States during the era.
Garrison's thesis statement indicates an analytical approach connecting women's rights to texts by significant women, suggesting a historical analysis of gender roles as reflected in literature. The information given serves as a context background for Garrison's discussion, emphasizing the broader exploration of women's representation across various texts.
Regarding the rest of the provided excerpts, it's important to highlight how Garrison uses multiple texts to develop a comparative analysis. By including contemporary texts, Garrison bolstered her arguments by showing the evolution or continuity of thoughts across different time periods. This exemplifies how the context of time and societal norms can influence the interpretation of womanly virtues and gender roles as depicted in literature.