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Compare And Contrast Learning To Read And Write And Professions For Women

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The oppression of certain individuals was quite common throughout history. The twentieth century was a period when individuals struggled and fought for their rights. As a result, people were influenced to talk and write about their personal problems and struggles they overcame during this time. Oppression in history appears in Douglas' "Learning to Read and Write" and Woolf's essay "Professions for Women.” In the essay “Learning to Read and Write,” written by Frederick Douglas, the author goes into detail about the hardships of being an African American during this time through elements such as characters and plot. Similarly, Virginia Woolf’s essay “Professions for Women” explains the maltreatment of women within the twentieth century and the …show more content…

The rhetorical situations of writing are the audience, purpose, and speaker. This is important for informing, persuading, and entertaining readers. In “Learning to Read and Write” by Douglas and “Professions for Women” by Woolf, there are some similarities within these points. Both share similar characteristics when it comes to the speaker of the texts. Frederick Douglas’s literacy narrative is written by himself and told from his perspective. Along with that, Woolf is the writer and speaker of her piece. In Woolf’s piece, she explains, “But to tell you my story--it is a simple one. You have only got to figure to yourselves a girl in a bedroom with a pen in her hand” (2). The two essays provide their audience with firsthand experiences they have had to maximize the understanding of the material. Douglas states, “I would then make the letters which I had been so fortunate as to learn and ask him to beat that” (1085). This provides the audience with his personal perspective and thoughts during this time. Although, there are some minuscule differences when it comes to the audience. The differences come down to whom the writing is directed at. Individuals will gravitate to the texts that they share similar problems and experiences too. In both narratives, the gender and race of the individuals are important and influence the audience. “Professions for Women” is geared towards women struggling in a professional setting. “Learning to Read and Write” on the other hand is written for those who struggle in society due to their skin color or literacy. The rhetorical situation has provided the readers with clarity and has shown the importance of literary

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