Answer:
In conclusion, Elizabeth Cady Stanton utilizes both ethos and pathos in her comparison between the Declaration of Independence and women's rights in the Declaration of Sentiments. By establishing her credibility as a leader in the women's rights movement and appealing to the emotions of her audience through patriotic sentiments, she effectively persuades readers to recognize the need for gender equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Declaration of Sentiments, Elizabeth Cady Stanton effectively employs both ethos and pathos to draw parallels between the Declaration of Independence and the rights of women. By equating the two documents, Stanton aims to establish credibility and evoke emotional responses from her audience.
Firstly, Stanton utilizes ethos, which refers to the credibility or trustworthiness of the speaker or writer. As one of the key organizers of the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, Stanton was a prominent figure in the women's rights movement. Her involvement in this historical event lends her authority and expertise on the subject matter. By referencing the Declaration of Independence, a foundational document in American history, she aligns herself with esteemed figures such as Thomas Jefferson and emphasizes her knowledge and understanding of democratic principles. This appeal to ethos helps to establish her credibility and persuade her audience that her arguments are valid.
Secondly, Stanton employs pathos, which appeals to the emotions and values of the audience. By drawing parallels between the Declaration of Independence and women's rights, she taps into the deeply ingrained patriotic sentiments of her readers. The Declaration of Independence is revered as a symbol of freedom and equality in American society. By equating women's rights with these cherished ideals, Stanton evokes a sense of injustice and inequality that resonates with her audience's emotions. She highlights how women have been denied their natural rights and freedoms, just as the colonists were under British rule. This emotional appeal serves to engage her readers' empathy and elicit support for the cause.