that society would be better with the entire population living a virtuous life. She questions the logic of a society where "one half of the human species is subject to prejudices that brutalize them only to sweeten the cup of man?" (Wollstonecraft, 282)Wollstonecraft's argument almost exclusively deals with the rights of women in an unequal society. However, she does make reference to the issue of slavery and makes it clear that any form of inequality is a crime against humanity. The issue of slavery and how poorly slaves are treated is common knowledge. Wollstonecraft tries to depict the situation of women as being equally offensive as a way to show the seriousness of women's rights. She admits that slaves are treated horribly and compares the treatment of women to that of slaves. Wollstonecraft's point is that any situation in which people are being repressed as badly as slaves is horrible. In making this point, she communicates the idea that slaves should also be allowed to live a moral and independent life. Although The Vindications is a response to texts written by men arguing against the rights of women, Wollstonecraft's ability to create a clear and logical argument ensured that her work would be bear considerable weight in society. Her ideas that virtue is a universal right that needs to be cultivated in men and women through education and reason is very clear and compelling. She demonstrates the benefits men would also enjoy if women were to be treated equally. Wollstonecraft proves that she is more than a feminist simply expressing grief over the ill treatment of women. She establishes herself as an eloquent thinker with concrete ideas and solutions and this is why her text was well received upon publication. Although changes did not occur rapidly, the education of women continues to progress and develop, fostering a more equal society. ...
