Question

Harriet Quimby is quoted as saying, “Flying is easier than voting.” What situation does her comment highlight? How do her Quoted Words help the authors achieve their purpose?

Answer 1

She’s pointing up the irony and injustice of early 20th‑century America: a woman (Harriet Quimby) could break into the risky, male‑dominated field of aviation but still be barred from or face huge resistance to the simple democratic act of voting. The remark highlights institutional sexism and the oddity that technical/physical achievement could be easier than gaining basic political rights.

As a quoted line, it does a lot for the authors’ purpose: it is pithy and memorable, creates a striking contrast (antithesis) that underscores their point, and uses irony to provoke an emotional reaction. Quoting Quimby also adds authority and specificity (ethos), gives a contemporary voice to the argument, and neatly summarizes the larger theme—that social and legal barriers to women were stubborn despite other kinds of progress.