Analysis Of Emmaline Parkhurst's Speech 'Freedom Or Death'

In her speech, “Freedom or Death,” Emmaline Parkhurst argues not for the need of suffrage, but for the necessary use of violent tactics for women protesting suffrage. Parkhurst emphasizes that forceful tactics are justifiable for silenced women to finally gain political rights. Through comparison, hypothetical situations, and historical references, Parkhurst passionately argues the need for women to engage in violent protest to be noticed in a male dominated society. Parkhurst draws comparisons between men and females to starkly outline the struggles women face for their beliefs to be understood. She proposes that if she were a man that was denied democratic rights, the government would surely excuse the use of forceful methods to obtain …show more content…
In the sixth paragraph she comments, “But let the men of Hartford imagine that they were not in the position of being voters at all, that they were governed without their consent being obtained, that the legislature turned an absolutely deaf ear to their demands, what would the men of Hartford do then . . . they would either have to submit indefinitely to an unjust state of affairs, or they would have to rise up and adopt some of the antiquated means by which men in the past got their grievances remedied.” Parkhurst comments that the representation men enjoy are the rights women unjustly lack. When struck with stifling injustice, it is only natural to protest forcefully for change. Parkhurst actively includes the audience into her argument by recommending male members of the audience imagine themselves devoid of the rights they enjoy. The audience is awakened to oppressing injustice women face and realize that violent action is a natural response to get one's voice heard. Emmaline Parkhurst justifies and supports the necessary use of violent action for women suffrage protestors. With the use of comparisons, imaginary situations, and historical references, Parkhurst maintains that women need to exercise force for their opinions to be realized. Rather than a rally for suffrage, Parkhurst's speech stresses that along with