"Ain't I a Woman?" Quiz

Read the following excerpt from “Ain’t I a Woman?”

Then that little man in black there, he says women can’t have as much rights as men, ‘cause Christ wasn’t a woman!

What is Truth’s response to this counterargument?

• She becomes enraged and insults the man.

• She says his argument betrays his ignorance.

• She says religion has nothing to do with a person’s rights.

• She cites evidence from the Bible that shows the importance of women.

What hardships does Truth describe enduring as a slave in "Ain't I a Woman?" Choose two options.

• being denied an education

• being whipped

• being sold repeatedly

• seeing her children sold

• seeing her husband killed

Read the following excerpt from “Ain’t I a Woman?”

What’s [intellect] got to do with women’s rights or Negroes’ rights? If my cup won’t hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn’t you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?

Which answer best restates Truth’s point in this excerpt?

• Each person has the same abilities as any other, so each should be treated with corresponding respect.

• Each person has abilities that differ from those of others, but only educated people should be allowed to vote.

• Each person deserves an equal opportunity to expand his or her intelligence, which can be improved without limit.

• Each person deserves an equal opportunity to fulfill his or her potential, however great or small that potential might be.

At the end of her speech, what does Truth say women should be able to do?

• march for their rights

• turn the world right side up

• make a very loud racket

• join the abolitionist cause

In which situation is one person most clearly obliged to another? Base your answer on the meaning of obliged.

• A passenger borrows train fare from another passenger.

• A boss tells an employee what she should do next.

• A writer checks a fact in an encyclopedia.

• A parent ignores a screaming child.

Read the following excerpt from “Ain’t I a Woman?”

If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again!

Which answer is the most likely explanation of Truth’s references in this excerpt?

• The “first woman” is Eve, who according to the Bible helped to save the world from sin. “These women” are the reformers at the Women’s Rights Convention where Truth is speaking.

• The “first woman” is Eve, who according to the Bible caused humanity to lose its peaceful place in the world. “These women” are the reformers at the Women’s Rights Convention where Truth is speaking.

• The “first woman” is Truth’s earliest known ancestor, who was forced into slavery decades before. “These women” are the reformers who tried to bring an end to slavery.

• The “first woman” is Truth’s earliest known ancestor, who led early antislavery efforts. “These women” are the activists who are trying to ensure that slavery continues.

What or who is most likely to make a racket in a meeting? Base your answer on the meaning of racket.

• restless people who leave early

• curious people who listen carefully

• angry people who want to be heard

• late arrivals who open heavy doors

To whom is Truth comparing herself in this sentence from "Ain't I a Woman?" "Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud puddles, or gives me any best place!"

• white men

• white women

• black men

• black women

Read this statement.

Caucasian males will be beset with the demands of two determined and vocal groups.

Which of the following excerpts from “Ain’t I a Woman?” represents the closest meaning to this statement, using colloquial language?

• I think that ’twixt the Negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon.

• That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere.

• Then they talk about this thing in the head; what’s this they call it?

• What’s that got to do with women’s rights or Negroes’ rights?

Which sentence from "Ain't I a Woman?" is used as a constant refrain?

• And ain't I a woman?

• Look at me!

• Look at my arm!

• Where did your Christ come from?