Mary Wollstonecraft's "The Rights of Women," published in 1792, is a groundbreaking feminist masterpiece that challenges the surrounding societal norms and advocates for the rights and education of women. Through her skillful use of rhetoric, Wollstonecraft eloquently uses the three classical appeals—ethos, logos, and pathos—to persuade her audience and stimulate discussions on gender equality, women's liberation, and overall education. “The Rights of Women” is an iconic feminist piece that sparked controversy and calls for a change of misogyny. This essay will dive into Wollstonecraft's adept use of ethos, logos, and pathos, thoroughly analyzing how she effectively communicates her argument and establishes herself as a credible, logical, and …show more content…
Throughout "The Rights of Women," Mary Wollstonecraft carefully constructs her ethos to convince her readers of her authority on the subject matter. She begins by acknowledging her limitations, stating that she is not seeking to establish herself as an extraordinary writer but as a rational thinker with a genuine concern for the welfare of her fellow women. This humility allows her to connect with the reader and establish a shared humanity. Wollstonecraft also draws on her life experiences and intellectual capabilities to emphasize her understanding of the challenges faced by women. Her struggles with limited educational opportunities and societal expectations of women inform her arguments, making her advocacy personal and relatable. As a woman striving for intellectual and philosophical pursuits, she challenges the stereotype of women as intellectually “inferior” to men. Moreover, Wollstonecraft strategically employs references to other influential thinkers and philosophers of her time, such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. By aligning herself with prominent intellectuals, she positions her ideas within a broader philosophical context, making her arguments appear well-grounded and respected by her peers. This tactic further enhances her ethos and enhances the credibility of her