The rhetorical question in the excerpt from Susan B. Anthony's speech has the effect of emphasizing that women are, in fact, persons and should be given equal rights. By posing the question "Are women persons?" and immediately answering with strong confidence against any opposition, Anthony highlights the logical foundation of her argument: if women are considered persons, then they inherently deserve the same rights as any other citizens under the law. Therefore, the correct answer is:
- **It emphasizes that women are, in fact, persons and should be given equal rights.**
Read the excerpt from Susan B. Anthony's speech to persuade lawmakers to secure women's right to vote. Answer the question that follows.
The only question left to be settled now is: Are women persons? And I hardly believe any of our opponents will have the hardihood to say they are not. Being persons, then, women are citizens; and no state has a right to make any law, or to enforce any old law, that shall abridge their privileges or immunities.
What effect does the rhetorical question have on the author's message?
It makes the audience question whether women are people or not.
It emphasizes that women are, in fact, persons and should be given equal rights.
It makes the speaker seem confused about the definition of a woman.
It creates the sense that the speaker's perspective on women is uncertain.
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