Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

First Advisor

Kulii, Elon Dr.

Abstract

This thesis highlights the contributions to the abolitionist movement of three extremely courageous African American Women: Maria W. Stewart, Sojourner Truth, and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. Though often faced with ridicule and opposition from audiences when they approached the public platform, these important historical figures rejected the narrow and hypocritical views of a woman’s place, and particularly a black woman’s place in antebellum society and demanded that their voices be heard. They realized that rhetoric is the foundation upon which the struggle for freedom rests and that to engage in rational discourse, whether to teach, preach or lecture was as essential for women as it was for men. Here, I examine the rhetorical significance to the movement of Stewart, Truth and Harper and explore the impact of their persuasive discourse on the audiences who received it. I reveal here how all three women, despite the public opposition they confronted because of their gender and color, harnessed the power of public discourse to help turn the tide against American slavery.

Download

Share

COinS