In this passage, the playwright utilizes the NARRATOR character as a dramatic element to convey the theme of historical injustice regarding women's suffrage. By directly addressing the audience, the NARRATOR creates an immediate engagement and emphasizes the significance of the struggle for voting rights. The statement, "Did you know that women in the United States weren’t allowed to vote until 1920?" serves to shock the audience into recognizing the long-standing discrimination against women. This framing not only helps contextualize the characters’ personal conflicts but also highlights the broader societal issues that they grapple with, underscoring the urgency and importance of the suffrage movement.
Sojourner Truth
by Joanna Evans
The fight for suffrage drives a wedge between a spirited young woman and her mother. . . .
Characters
NARRATOR
REBECCA, 17 years old
MAMA, her mother
BEFORE RISE: NARRATOR enters, addresses audience.
NARRATOR: Did you know that women in the United States weren’t allowed to vote until 1920? That’s when the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, extending voting rights to all women. If you do your math, you’ll find that women couldn’t vote for nearly 150 years after our nation was created out of the Revolutionary War. . .talk about injustice!
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Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
In 3–5 sentences, explain how the playwright uses one or more dramatic elements to convey meaning. Use textual evidence to support your explanation.
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