"And Ain‘t I a Woman?"

Sojourner Truth, highly regarded for her work as an early African American feminist, used her undeniable knowledge, ability to effectively speak, and use of support to adequately improve a female's life in society. Truth paved the way for future feminists, using her position in society to her advantage. Often disregarded for their ethnicity and gender, African American females did not have a stern voice in relation to the issue of slavery. Often, many would deny these women of their ideals, disregarding any logical intentions or topics described. I feel that Truth used her successful qualities to better society. Slavery, which remains controversial in the modern age, was lightly brushed upon before the Civil War. Although this was inevitably abolished, slavery had caused many moral issues among Americans. Southern supporters and politicians were looked down upon for their moral choices. Although this is questioning an inhumane topic, many southerners lost their reputation or way of life due to this moral issue.

Within Truth's speech, she would often bring about various topics that established a Realist approach toward society. Her content displayed the life of a slave, highly disregarded in this period. Because of many's inability to listen to a slave, Truth did not have much support going into this. In her speech, she speaks about a woman's placement in society. Her perception of a standard woman is traditional. She feels that woman cannot subject themselves to hard labor (Truth). By saying this, she is creating an overall perception or stereotype of women. Regardless of her belief of a standard woman, she continues to speak about her personal perspective of herself and a deserved woman. She, personally, believes that she is a hard working individual who is completely familiar with labor and a hard living. By bringing this up, she is creating another perception of female slaves. This will greatly improve her stance, due to her ability to compete with men of this time period. Because she speaks about women in contrast with men, various readers may gain a new-found respect for the feminist. Her undeniable contribution has left her much praise, which is well deserved due to her subjection in society. In her speech, she refers to her inability to receive the various amenities in society (Truth). Although she speaks about this, her inability to receive these has greatly displayed her selflessness. Her intentions involve the improvement of others, not herself. Because of this, she can put much focus on women's rights. In opposition to the standard women that Truth was describing, an African American slave is believed to retain more praise, respect, and possibly support- once a reputation is established. Truth used her placement to greatly alter society. Her work defines Realism, correlating with various characteristics of the style. Truth can be described as a hero, due to her effective language and factual content. She paved the way for female rights, establishing herself as a fair example or source in the altering society. Her speech adequately displays nobility and logical ideals. Throughout the piece, evidence linking her to a Realist piece are revealed.

Truth, Sojourner. Glencoe Literature. Comp. Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, Douglas Fisher, Beverly A. Chin, and Jacqueline J. Royster. Columbus: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2009. 368-70. Print.