Read about Declaration of the Rights of Woman
Class Discussion Questions:
- To whom is the author directing her argument, and what is the nature of reason that she is appealing to?
- How does the structure of de Gouges' declaration reflect Enlightenment ideals?
- What could be the benefit, in the face of power, of her command to "unite under the banner of philosophy"?
- Is de Gouges being too much of an optimist when she says, "Whatever barriers are thrown in your way it is in your power to overcome them; you simply have to want to." Does she show herself to be more a pragmatist by the end?
