Question

Read the excerpt from Eighty Years and More: Reminiscences, 1815-1897.

[Rev. Simon Hosack] entered fully into the feeling of suffering and sorrow which took possession of me when I discovered that a girl weighed less in the scale of being than a boy, and he praised my determination to prove the contrary.

Which best describes society’s view of boys’ and girls’ abilities during the period in which Elizabeth Cady Stanton lived?

The abilities of boys are equal to those of girls.
The abilities of boys are lesser than those of girls.
The abilities of boys are better than those of girls.
The abilities of boys have no relationship to those of girls.

Answer 1

Answer: C

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Answer 2

C. The abilities of boys are better than those of girls

Step-by-step explanation:

This book was written by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who was a famous women rights activist in the late 19th century.

That information alone could be enough to understand the theme of the book. But, let us carefully examine this excerpt.

The key piece of information here is: "... a girl weighed less in the scale of being than a boy.."

That sentence sums up society's views in the 19th century; a girl is less important, less valued, less appreciated and considered less capable then a boy.