Discuss the two versions of the speech by Sojourner Truth. What do we see when we compare the two versions? What can this show us about the context of that time?
The two versions of Truth’s speech, while conveying the same/a similar message, reflect wildly different voices. When we look at similarities between the original transcribed method and the one later published, key points made are used verbatim while also including embellished language. For example, Robinsons account reads as “if women have a pint and man a quart – why can’t she have her little pint full?” while Gage’s reads as “If my cup won’t hold but a pint and yourn holds a quart, wouldn’t ye be mean not to let me have a little half-measure full?“
It took me a minute to notice what happened to the speech beyond just the voice being changed. When you read Robinsons version, the speech is predominantly addressing women’s rights with undertones regarding slavery, however, when you read Gage’s version it directly addresses women’s rights and slavery. Again, Robinsons version (which is regarded as the closest to accurate version) absolutely touches on slavery, but I feel that Gage goes out of the way to be sure both issues are represented.
I feel that what we see is Gage painting Truth to fit the narrative of what America imagined (or perhaps wanted to imagine) when addressing slavery, changing Truth’s voice to emphasize the abolitionist aspect of the women’s rights movement.
On a personal note, I believe that regardless of the intention being non-malicious and reportedly effective in it’s agenda to highlight both issues, it is nonetheless reductionist, a caricature, and ultimately unethical.
