Read the excerpt from the Declaration of Sentiments. He has made her, morally, an irresponsible being, as she can commit many crimes with impunity, provided they be done in the presence of her husband. In the covenant of marriage, she is compelled to promise obedience to her husband, he becoming, to all intents and purposes, her master—the law giving him power to deprive her of her liberty, and to administer chastisement.

Which statement best describes the relationship between Stanton’s diction and her purpose?

A. Stanton uses words with positive connotations to encourage women to discover their voices.
B. Stanton uses words with negative connotations to emphasize the persecution of women.
C. Stanton uses words with positive connotations to highlight women’s road toward social progress.
D. Stanton uses words with negative connotations to criticize women for their apathy.