Question

That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man—when I could get it—and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne 13 children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?
What is the intended purpose of the second paragraph?

A.
to inspire women to be stronger
B.
to motivate women to obtain education
C.
to point out the discrimination faced by African American women
D.
to point out the problems faced by women

Answer 1

I don’t know exactly what this is from, or the context outside of these paragraphs, but since she talked about her children being sold into slavery, i’m assuming the answer is (C) - to point out the discrimination faced by African American women. It wouldn’t be A because, although she is saying the strong things she does, she’s not saying “I’m strong be more like me”. She also doesn’t talk about getting a higher education, and it sounds like at the time that wouldn’t be possible for her. So it’s between options C & D. you know the story better than I do.

Answer 2

Answer:

The correct answer is option C.  to point out the discrimination faced by African American women.

Explanation:

This excerpt shows the discrimination faced by African American women in times of slavery.

It clearly shows how women were prohibited from doing "men's things", that is why she claims all the time with the phrase "ain't I a woman?", Narrating all the things she did, because she is a very capable woman and independent that does not need a man and still remains a woman.

That is why the correct answer is option C.