Question

question 9 (2 points)
(02.04 mc)
read the excerpt from susan b. anthonys speech to persuade lawmakers to secure womens right to vote. answer the question that follows.
the only question left to be settled now is: are women persons? and i hardly believe any of our opponents will have the hardihood to say they are not. being persons, then, women are citizens, and no state has a right to make any law, or to enforce any old law, that shall abridge their privileges or immunities.
what effect does the rhetorical question have on the authors message?
a it makes the audience question whether women are people or not
b it emphasizes that women are, in fact, persons and should be given equal rights
c it makes the speaker seem confused about the definition of a woman
d it creates the sense that the speakers perspective on women is uncertain

Explanation:

The rhetorical question "Are women persons?" is used to emphasize the obvious fact that women are persons. By posing this question, Susan B. Anthony then goes on to argue that as persons, women are citizens and should not have their rights abridged. It's a powerful way to make her point about equal rights for women.

Answer:

B. It emphasizes that women are, in fact, persons and should be given equal rights