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2105 Redefining AmericaQUESTIONS Understanding and Interpreting1. In her opening sentences, Roxane Gay plainly states, %u201cI am failing as a woman. I am failing as a feminist%u201d (par. 1). According to paragraphs 2 and 3, in what ways does she believe she is failing?2. Throughout the essay, Gay identifies various contradictions faced by those who want to be %u201cgood%u201d women while also being %u201cgood%u201d feminists. According to Gay%u2019s essay, what are some of the preferences and habits only %u201cgood%u201d women are supposed to have, and what are some reserved only for %u201cgood%u201d feminists?3. What distinctions does Gay make between compromises and sacrifices in paragraph 12? Are maternity leave, writing less, and slowing down compromises or sacrifices, according to Gay?4. What conclusion does Gay come to in paragraphs 19 and 20? Why would she rather be %u201ca bad feminist than no feminist at all%u201d?QUESTIONS Analyzing Language, Style, and Structure5. Vocabulary in Context. The word %u201cpuerile%u201d (par. 16) has strong connotations. How does it compare to and contrast with words with similar denotations, such as %u201cimmature%u201d and %u201cjuvenile%u201d? What effect does Gay%u2019s use of %u201cpuerile%u201d have in the larger context of her argument?6. What appeal does Gay make by starting her piece saying she is %u201cfailing as a woman%u201d and %u201cfailing as a feminist%u201d (par. 1)? What are the advantages of starting her argument from this position?7. Why does Gay address Todd Akin%u2019s %u201cpseudoscience and . . . lax cultural attitude toward rape%u201d in paragraph 15? How does introducing a very serious topic at this point in the essay serve her purpose? What is the effect, then, of turning in the very next paragraph to %u201cless serious issues like a Top 40 song or a comedian%u2019s puerile humor%u201d (par. 16)?8. In paragraph 17, Gay discusses other women who have %u201ccavalierly disavow[ed] feminism.%u201d Regardless of which perspective you agree with, how does acknowledging the opposition to her position in such a way contribute to her argument?QUESTIONS Topics for Composing9. Argument. Gay admits she has %u201cstrong opinions%u201d about %u201cissues important to the feminist movement%u201d (par. 14). What are the issues she names? Do you agree that these issues are currently problems in our society? Write an essay that takes a position in response to her claim, and be sure to support it with evidence%u2014whether from Gay%u2019s essay, your own reading, or personal experience.10. Creative Writing. In her essay, Gay defines the concept of feminism by outlining what it is not. Choose an ideology or belief important to you and, using Gay%u2019s essay as a model, craft a definition of it in a similar fashion.11. Research. Women%u2019s necessary role in parenting has long been a topic feminists have addressed. Research the ways in which the United States and other countries support working women who have children. What advancements have we made toward equity for mothers in the workplace? Where do we still come up short? What steps do you believe should be taken in the immediate future to improve conditions for working mothers in America?Copyright %u00a9 Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. For review purposes only. Not for redistribution.