Sojourner Truth by Joanna Evans The fight for suffrage drives a wedge between a spirited young woman and her mother. . . . Characters NARRATOR REBECCA, 17 years old MAMA, her mother BEFORE RISE: NARRATOR enters, addresses audience. NARRATOR: Did you know that women in the United States weren’t allowed to vote until 1920? That’s when the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, extending voting rights to all women. If you do your math, you’ll find that women couldn’t vote for nearly 150 years after our nation was created out of the Revolutionary War. . .talk about injustice! 1 of 14 Question Use the passage to answer the question. In 3–5 sentences, explain how the playwright uses one or more dramatic elements to convey meaning. Use textual evidence to support your explanation. (4 points)
The playwright uses the dramatic element of narration to provide historical context and background information to the audience. The narrator's statements about women not being allowed to vote until 1920 and the injustice of the situation emphasize the central theme of the play, which is the fight for suffrage. This helps the audience understand the significance of the events that will unfold in the play. The use of specific historical facts, such as the ratification of the 19th Amendment, adds credibility to the narrative and reinforces the message of the play.
