Question

In "Ain't I a Woman?." why does Truth repeat the phrase "Ain't I a woman?" throughout the second paragraph?

That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have
the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any
best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered
into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a
man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children,
and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard
me! And ain't I a woman?
O to suggest that audience should worry about her
to reinforce the idea that men should be more helpful
to suggest that females are tougher than males
to reinforce that she is strong, resilient and female

Answer 1

Sojourner Truth's repeated question 'Ain't I a woman?' in her speech emphasizes her femininity and strength, challenging gender and racial inequalities and asserting her right to equal recognition. The correct answer is option: to reinforce that she is strong, resilient and female.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Sojourner Truth's speech 'Ain't I a Woman?', the repetition of the phrase 'Ain't I a woman?' throughout the second paragraph serves to challenge the prevailing notions of both gender and racial inequality.

By recounting her physical and emotional strength in experiences typically associated with men, such as working tirelessly and enduring the pain of having her children sold into slavery, Truth underscores her resilience and determination which match or exceed those of men.

The repetitive questioning emphasizes her femininity in conjunction with her strength, thus reinforcing the message that she deserves the same rights and recognitions afforded to women and men alike.