Excerpt from an essay by Judith Sargent Murray, 1784
I THINK, to teach young minds to aspire, ought to be the ground work of education: many a laudable achievement is lost, from a persuasion that our efforts are unequal to the arduous attainment. Ambition is a noble principle, which properly directed, may be productive of the most valuable consequences. It is amazing to what heights the mind by exertion may tow'r: I would, therefore, have my pupils believe, that everything in the compass of mortality, was placed within their grasp, and that, the avidity of application, the intenseness of study, were only requisite to endow them with every external grace, and mental accomplishment. That I should impel them to progress on, if I could not lead them to the heights I would wish them to attain.
Use the excerpt to answer the question.
How does this passage promote emerging ideas of “Republican Motherhood”?
A.
by calling for more opportunities for women outside the home
B.
by asserting the social and political equality of men and women
C.
by encouraging women to seek an education and learn about politics
D.
by showing the role women play in raising and shaping future citizens
PLEASE, ALSO EXPLAIN WHY ITS THE CORRECT ANSWER, DO NOT GUESS, USE THE EXPERT.
D. by showing the role women play in raising and shaping future citizens
Explanation: This passage promotes emerging ideas of “Republican Motherhood” by encouraging women to seek an education and learn about politics, so that they can raise and shape future citizens. Judith Sargent Murray calls for ambition and application in order to endow women with external grace and mental accomplishment, so that they can lead their pupils to the heights she wishes them to attain. This shows the role women play in raising and shaping future citizens, which is a key part of the concept of Republican Motherhood.