An Appeal to Woman
The work is a passionate appeal to women, urging them to recognize their inherent worth and power. It emphasizes the importance of women acting with moral integrity and courage, particularly in the context of social justice and equality. The author calls upon women to rise above societal prejudices and to embrace their role as advocates for the oppressed, particularly in relation to racial injustices. The text highlights the shared humanity among women, regardless of race, and invokes a sense of sisterhood that transcends superficial differences. It challenges women to respond to the suffering of others with compassion and to take a stand against injustice. The author underscores the moral obligation of women in a Christian society to act in accordance with their values and to support those who are marginalized. The work also reflects on the transient nature of beauty and life, suggesting that true legacy lies in virtuous actions and the impact one has on future generations. It calls for women to cultivate virtues that will endure beyond their physical existence, aiming for a lasting influence that will be remembered and celebrated. Overall, the piece serves as both a rallying cry and a moral exhortation, encouraging women to embrace their power, act with integrity, and foster a spirit of unity and compassion in the face of societal challenges.
By Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis · First published 1851 · Genre: Poetry, Feminist Literature, Religious Literature · 286 words
First lines
Oh, woman, woman, in thy brightest hour Of conscious worth, of pride, of conscious power, Oh, nobly dare to act a Christian's part, That well befits a lovely woman's heart!
Dare to be good, as thou canst dare be great; Despise the taunts of envy, scorn and hate; Our "skins may differ," but from thee we claim A sister's privilege, in a sister's name.
We are thy sisters -- God has truly said, That of one blood, the nations he has made.
Oh, Christian woman, in a Christian land, Canst thou unblushing read this great command?
What this Textopian page supports
An Appeal to Woman is listed on Textopian as an essay by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis, dated 1851 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis
- Date: 1851 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Feminist Literature, Religious Literature, Social Commentary, Inspirational Literature
- Length: 286 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Appeal to Woman by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- The Change by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
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- Died Of Starvation by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetic form.
- Feminist Literature — The themes focus on women's empowerment, equality, and social justice, advocating for women's rights.
- Religious Literature — The text references Christian values and moral imperatives, appealing to a religious audience.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal norms and injustices, particularly regarding race and gender.
Tags
Abolitionist · Feminism · Social Justice · 19th Century Literature · American History · Women's Rights · Equality · Freedom · Slavery · Racism · Suffrage · Civil War Era