Abigail Adams supports her cause by claiming that women have the right to rebel if they do not have a voice in government. In her letter, she draws a parallel between the revolutionary sentiments of the patriots, who sought independence from oppressive British laws, and the situation of women who are denied representation and rights. By emphasizing that women will "not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation," she invokes the same arguments that the patriots use against British rule to advocate for women's rights. This strategy effectively connects her message to the broader revolutionary cause, highlighting that the principles of liberty and representation should also extend to women.
I long to hear that you have declared an independency—and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. . . . If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment [incite; instigate] a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation. . . .
—Abigail Adams, letter to John Adams
How does Abigail Adams use the ideas of the patriots to support her cause?
Responses
by comparing the existing British laws with the laws that the patriots feel need to be established
by comparing the existing British laws with the laws that the patriots feel need to be established - no response given
by declaring women to be independent from and having the same rights as men
by declaring women to be independent from and having the same rights as men - no response given
by claiming that women have the right to rebel if they do not have a voice in government
by claiming that women have the right to rebel if they do not have a voice in government - no response given
by insisting that history has always been unfair to women
1 answer
1 answer