Question

I wish, Sir, to set some investigations of this kind afloat in France; and should they lead to a confirmation of my principles, when your constitution is revised the Rights of Woman may be respected, if it be fully proved that reason calls for this respect, and loudly demands JUSTICE for one half of the human race.

–A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,
Mary Wollstonecraft

What final ideas does Wollstonecraft present to support her argument? Check all that apply.

Women’s rights deserve the same respect as men’s rights.
Wollstonecraft is the person most qualified to revise the Constitution.
The Rights of Woman should be widely read and respected.
It is unjust for women to be excluded from having equal rights.
It would be fair for women to have more rights than men.

Answer 1

Selections: 1, 3, and 4.

- 1 (Women’s rights deserve the same respect as men’s rights): Supported — she asks that the Rights of Woman "may be respected" and appeals to reason and justice for half the human race.
- 3 (The Rights of Woman should be widely read and respected): Supported — she wants to "set some investigations ... afloat" (spread the ideas) so the Rights of Woman might be respected when constitutions are revised.
- 4 (It is unjust for women to be excluded from having equal rights): Supported — she demands "JUSTICE for one half of the human race," arguing it would be unjust to deny women equal rights.

Options 2 and 5 are not supported by the passage.