Are Women People of Rhymes for Suffrage Times?

The Poetic Voices of Women in the Suffrage Movement

In the early 20th century, as the women's suffrage movement gained momentum, a chorus of voices emerged, using the power of poetry to advocate for the rights of women. These poets, women of diverse backgrounds and experiences, wielded rhyme as a potent weapon in the fight for equality, crafting words that rallied, inspired, and challenged the status quo.

Among the most prominent voices was Alice Duer Miller, a prolific writer and suffragist. Her poem, "Women Are People," became an anthem for the movement, asserting the fundamental humanity of women and their right to participate fully in society:

Are Women People? A Book of Rhymes for Suffrage Times

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Language	:	English
File size	:	111 KB
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We are not chattels to be bought and sold, Or slaves to toil for others' gain, But women, with a soul as free and bold As any man's that walks the earth's domain.

Miller's use of simple, direct language and forceful rhyme conveyed a sense of urgency and determination. By emphasizing the common humanity shared by men and women, she undermined the arguments used to justify women's disenfranchisement.

Another influential poet of the suffrage era was Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Known primarily for her feminist writings, such as "The Yellow Wallpaper," Gilman also penned numerous poems that addressed the challenges faced by women. In "A Suffrage Litany," she employed a catalog of injustices to highlight the absurdity of denying women the right to vote:

We are robbed of our rights as citizens, Taxed without representation, Our earnings taken from us, Our children made fatherless, Our homes invaded, Our lives made burdensome.

Gilman's use of repetition and the litany format created a powerful rhythmic effect, amplifying the sense of frustration and injustice experienced by women. By presenting a stark account of the consequences of disenfranchisement, she appealed to both reason and emotion.

A third notable poet of the suffrage movement was Edna St. Vincent Millay. Millay's poetry, often characterized by its lyrical beauty and personal intensity, brought a unique perspective to the fight for women's rights. In "Justice Denied in Massachusetts," she expressed her outrage over the failure of a suffrage referendum in her home state:

O Massachusetts, have you forgotten then Your sacred past, your Puritan tradition, Your battle-fields, your statesmen, and your sages? Have you forgotten Bunker Hill and Concord? ... Have you forgotten, Massachusetts, then, That Crime and Punishment go hand in hand?

Millay's invocation of Massachusetts' illustrious history and her use of rhetorical questions created a sense of shame and accountability. By reminding her readers of the state's proud legacy of fighting for justice, she challenged its current betrayal of those principles.

These three poets, along with many others, played a significant role in shaping the discourse and advancing the cause of women's suffrage. Through their poems, they educated, agitated, and inspired countless individuals, helping to build a movement that would ultimately achieve its goal. Their words continue to resonate today, reminding us of the power of literature to effect social change.

In the years since the passage of the 19th Amendment, women have made substantial progress towards full equality. However, the fight for women's rights is an ongoing one. The voices of women poets, past and present, continue to provide inspiration and guidance in the ongoing struggle for justice and equality for all.

As we celebrate the centennial of the 19th Amendment, let us remember the women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote. Let us also remember the power of their words, which continue to inspire and empower us today.

Additional Resources

• Library of Congress: Women's Suffrage
• National Park Service: Women's Suffrage Movement
• National Women's History Museum: Votes for Women

Are Women People? A Book of Rhymes for Suffrage Times

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	46 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE