# An Appeal to Woman explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis.

## What happens

The speaker appeals to women, especially Christian women, to recognize the shared sisterhood across racial lines and to act with moral courage against the wrongs of slavery, invoking divine command and the fleeting nature of earthly beauty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy of Freedom

The poem challenges Christian women in a 'Christian land' to live up to their professed values by opposing slavery.

### Sisterhood and Womanhood

The speaker claims a 'sister's privilege' and emphasizes shared womanhood across racial lines.

## Character check-ins

### Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis

The speaker and presumed author of the appeal, addressing women directly.

### Christ

Invoked as the moral authority behind the Christian duty to act justly.

## Key lines

> Our 'skins may differ,' but from thee we claim A sister's privilege, in a sister's name.

Although our skin colors are different, we ask you to treat us as sisters, as we are all part of the same human family.

_The central plea for racial solidarity among women._

> Oh, Christian woman, in a Christian land, Canst thou unblushing read this great command?

How can you, as a Christian woman living in a Christian nation, read God's command to love your neighbor without feeling ashamed?

_A direct challenge to the hypocrisy of Christians who tolerate slavery._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_20_se/chapters/an-appeal-to-woman
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_20_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_20_se/chapters