Analyzing the Text
Her claim is that when a group of people feels they have not received equal treatment, they should explain their reasons for desiring change. In this instance, Stanton references the Declaration of Independence to support her argument.
This is an appeal to historical precedent, as well as logos. If men accept the views put forth by the original Declaration, she reasons, they will accept the Declaration of Sentiments since it is modeled after the original’s ideas of liberty and justice for all.
It reveals her argument to be that women are not treated equally in America and therefore must demand that wrongs be righted.
She’s talking about women’s right to vote. She sees this right as an essential part of the “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” that the Declaration of Independence grants to men.
She uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and drive home her point. Through this repetition, her arguments are stated clearly and are impossible to forget or misinterpret.
One theme is that women’s inability to vote has deprived them from having a say in the day-to-day decisions made by their own country’s government. Another theme is that women are considered to essentially belong to their husbands or fathers. Furthermore, women have limited opportunities with regard to employment, education, and religious communities.
Through repetition, she wraps up her argument and addresses any concerns that may be had – for instance, how women will use “the pulpit and the press” to defend their cause.