Mary Wollstonecraft Declaration Of The Rights Of Women Analysis

In the 1790’s men were granted participatory citizenship in France, but women on the other hand were not. Women believed they should be regarded equally by themselves and by others. In 1792 in response to the French Revolutionary Assembly’s Declaration of the Rights of Men, Mary Wollstonecraft wrote an essay challenging this fact of nature. Wollstonecraft juxtaposes the goals of both genders, employs a hostile but compassionate tone, and asks rhetorical questions to convey her argument that women should be treated as equals. In the beginning of her essay, Wollstonecraft contrasts the attitudes of both men and women to show how different their ambitions are. She first reveals that gentlemen view females as people who are “unable to stand alone.” She also exposes how men normally see their opposites as “weak” and if women do not stop this belief they will soon become “objects of content.” Wollstonecraft then transitions into her intentions she has for her equals. She wishes them to “acquire strength” and “obtain a character as a human being.” By drawing a distinction between the …show more content…
By using phrases such as “well excuse me” and “treat them like rational creatures,” Wollstonecraft makes it clear how men do not respect ladies with the same regard as they do for other males. She hopes to accuse the FRA of not treating women as equals or humans, where she says she will. As Wollstonecraft continues her essay her tone changes from mockery to passionate and direct about her goals and wishes. She uses simple and precise words to get straight to her “rough sketch of [a] plan.” She avoids “flowery diction” that could “waste [her] time” and cloud her argument. Through utilizing straightforward words, Wollstonecraft makes her argument clear and easily understandable that women should be viewed justly by others. Leaving men a choice: grant females the same rights as they have or continue to be