Ursula Le Guin Left Hand Speech Analysis

Ursula Le Guin wrote all types of books such as novels, short stories, and children’s books. She also wrote a speech entitled the Left- Handed Commencement Address. This speech took place in Mills College Class of ’83 in 1983. When this speech was written it was during a time when men were revolved around everything. Men had the opportunity of getting a superb education, receiving any job, and were viewed as superior to women. Women were restricted in the workplace, and had to do house chores and take care of their kids (“1960 American Feminism”). Also around this time the second wave of feminism was taking place. The second wave of feminism was a period of feminist activity that began in the 1960s and lasted through the early 1980’s(1960 American Feminism”). During this period women were targeted at trying to get reproductive rights, workplace rights, having equal sexuality, and focused on family”1960 American Feminism”). Out of all the things women were experiencing at

For example, Ursula states “Is that what you went to college for? Is that all? What about success?” (1). Instead of waiting for a response or answering the question she moves on to talk about failure. This gives the audience a chance to think and reflect on the question. When she brings up these questions, it makes it an important topic to the readers or audience. This is illustrated again when Le Guin states, “ Why should a free woman with an education either fight Mochoman or serve him? Why should she live her life on his terms?” (2). She uses this to emphasize her point, and to get the audience thinking about the question. As a result, the audience can relate the questions to themselves and think about how it affects them. Although women have an education just like men why should they have to follow behind men and do what they want? That’s the idea that she gets across to the audience by asking these