The Power of Woman: The Life and Writings of Sarah Moore GrimkeSarah Moore Grimke (17921873) wanted to become "a useful member of society," a goal she met through her impressive contributions to American social reform during the 1830s. The issue that loomed largest during that decade was slavery, and Sarah became a spokeswoman for and a leader in the abolition movement. As a Southern gentlewoman, her contributions were unique in that she critiqued the institution based on personal experience.But Sarah did more than fight for the rights of slaves. Perhaps her greatest contribution was as an advocate of women's rights. Her feminist beliefs are set forth in her Letters on the Equality of the Sexes (1838). In this collection of letters, she implemented a new hermeneutic to interpret biblical verses traditionally considered to subject women to the tyranny of men. She confronted the subjugation of women based on divine authority and rejected patriarchal interpretations of Scripture. Based on her interpretation of Scripture, Sarah advocated full equality for women in education, vocation, politics, and finances. She became a role model for many women who later became leaders in the suffrage movement, and is still a role model for many today. Sarah Moore Grimke confronted racism and prejudice within church, society, and herself. Most books and articles dealing with the Grimke sisters focus on Angelina, and no biography has been written of Sarah. This is the first book-length treatment of Sarah's life and work, and as such is indispensable reading for those interested in women's studies, racism, suffrage history, and religious history. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 17
Page 12
... served five years ( 1782-1786 ) in South Carolina's House of Representatives , during which time he held the office of Speaker of the House for one year . At the same time , he held a judgeship to which he was appointed in 1783. In 1788 ...
... served five years ( 1782-1786 ) in South Carolina's House of Representatives , during which time he held the office of Speaker of the House for one year . At the same time , he held a judgeship to which he was appointed in 1783. In 1788 ...
Page 15
... served as Sarah's introduction . On his visits home , he acquainted her with many new ideas including the dangers of the Enlightenment and Deism as well as the truths of the Bible.10 Sarah copied the notes he took during class and wrote ...
... served as Sarah's introduction . On his visits home , he acquainted her with many new ideas including the dangers of the Enlightenment and Deism as well as the truths of the Bible.10 Sarah copied the notes he took during class and wrote ...
Page 22
... served as a reminder that slaves were in the same position as herself in that they too were denied opportunities to learn . As a result of her early frustration with the institution of slavery , Sarah rejected many of the typical ...
... served as a reminder that slaves were in the same position as herself in that they too were denied opportunities to learn . As a result of her early frustration with the institution of slavery , Sarah rejected many of the typical ...
Page 39
... serving as ministers also attracted many women , and Quaker membership quickly became predominantly female . Sixty years after Fox made his views on the equality of the sexes known , the Quaker William Penn wrote , " Sexes made no ...
... serving as ministers also attracted many women , and Quaker membership quickly became predominantly female . Sixty years after Fox made his views on the equality of the sexes known , the Quaker William Penn wrote , " Sexes made no ...
Page 40
... served as itinerant ministers both in America and abroad . " The writings of Fox and Penn along with the practice of American Quakers revealed that many early Quakers — especially the leaders — emphasized gender equality . " 10 Because ...
... served as itinerant ministers both in America and abroad . " The writings of Fox and Penn along with the practice of American Quakers revealed that many early Quakers — especially the leaders — emphasized gender equality . " 10 Because ...
Contents
7 | |
33 | |
Sarah Grimkés Commitment to Combat the Institution of Slavery | 71 |
Sarah Grimkés Understanding of Gender Equality | 115 |
6 The Latter Years and Contributions of Sarah Grimké | 173 |
Bibliography | 191 |
Index | 205 |
Common terms and phrases
abolition abolitionists accept activities allowed American Angelina Grimké Anti-Slavery Society antislavery argued attempt attended became become began believed biblical Birney Boston called cause century Charleston church commitment continued contributed decision desire Despite diary early Edited encouraged Equality essays established feelings female Feminist Garrison Grimké Sisters History human influence interpretation involvement issue John later leaders lecture Lerner Letters Liberator lived male marriage meetings Michigan ministers moral mother movement nature never offered opportunities persons Philadelphia political position practice published Quaker question received reform Religion religious response result role Sarah and Angelina Sarah Grimké served Sexes Sisters from South slavery slaves social Society of Friends South Carolina Southern speak spiritual Studies teaching Theodore Theodore Dwight Weld Thought traditional United University Press views Weld woman women women's rights writings wrote York
Popular passages
Page 98 - And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him. 25 And he said, Cursed be Canaan; A servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. 26 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; And Canaan shall be his servant.
Page 93 - Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few : pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Page 21 - That all and every person and persons whatever, who shall hereafter teach or cause any slave or slaves to be taught to write, or shall use or employ any slave as a scribe in any manner of writing...
Page 7 - Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.
Page 140 - Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
Page 98 - Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air...
Page 100 - That all petitions, memorials, resolutions, propositions or papers, relating in any way, or to any extent whatever, to the subject of slavery, or the abolition of slavery, shall, without being either printed or referred, be laid upon the table, and that no further action whatever shall be had thereon.
Page 107 - Is it not forgetting the great and. dreadful wrongs of the slave in a selfish crusade against some paltry grievance of our own?
Page 48 - The Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, and for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully held in Bondage, and for Improving the Condition of the African Race," incorporated by Act of Assembly passed the 8th day of December, AD 1789, of which Dr.