Question

But, till men become attentive to the duty of a father, it is vain to expect women to spend that time in their nursery which they, “wise in their generation,” choose to spend at their glass; for this exertion of cunning is only an instinct of nature to enable them to obtain indirectly a little of that power of which they are unjustly denied a share: for, if women are not permitted to enjoy legitimate rights, they will render both men and themselves vicious, to obtain illicit privileges.

–A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,
Mary Wollstonecraft

What is the central idea of this passage?

Women do not have enough time to raise children.
Both men and women need to trust their instincts.
Looking in the mirror harms women’s ability to gain rights.
Giving women rights will help both men and women.

Answer 1

Giving women rights will help both men and women.

Explanation: Wollstonecraft argues that women's vanity (spending time "at their glass") is a reaction to being denied legitimate rights, and that unless men fulfill their duties, women will seek illicit privileges—hurting both sexes. Granting legitimate rights would prevent this harm.