Biblical Women (Motif)
Throughout the speech there are references to women who are instrumental in the Bible. Eve, for example, brought evil to the world but, according to Truth, deserves to be given a second chance. Mary also bore Jesus, and thus played a more central role in that most important of stories than any man. Finally, Truth also references Mary and Martha, who convince Jesus to perform a miracle and raise their brother Lazarus from the dead.
Eve (Symbol)
Eve caused evil and trouble in the world and she is the woman in the Bible by which all other women are judged in the eyes of men. Truth implicitly acknowledges that men see Eve as a symbol of all women, and of what can happen when they allow a woman to get the upper hand.
Female Strength (Motif)
Throughout the speech, Sojourner Truth refers to the physical strength of women. She states that she can plough like a man, reap like a man, and carry as much as a man. This is used as evidence for equality.
