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A Voice from the South / By a Black Woman of the South

Chapter 4: SOPRANO OBLIGATO.
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About This Book

The collection of essays and speeches argues that educated women are essential to the moral and social regeneration of their community, insisting on expanded educational opportunities and civic recognition. It examines the status of women in American life, contrasts cultural influences that shape gender roles, and connects gender justice to racial progress. The second section turns to race, assessing America’s racial problems, literary portrayals of Black people, questions of social and economic value, and the sustaining power of belief. Across rhetorical, philosophical, and pragmatic passages, the author advocates for the Black woman’s voice to be heard in national reform.

SOPRANO OBLIGATO.

For they the Royal-hearted Women are
Who nobly love the noblest, yet have grace
For needy, suffering lives in lowliest place;
Carrying a choicer sunlight in their smile,
The heavenliest ray that pitieth the vile.

Though I were happy, throned beside the king,
I should be tender to each little thing
With hurt warm breast, that had no speech to tell
Its inward pangs; and I would soothe it well
With tender touch and with a low, soft moan
For company.
George Eliot.