  At this point, it might also be noted that Fell’s works were often intended to be read aloud, and so we must be aware of a certain performative aspect to Womens Speaking. The author’s argument achieves its greatest force when it is spoken or performed. This is because the very act of saying the words establishes the conclusion of Fell’s argument—the idea that women are capable of speaking the word of the Lord. The onus then falls on her critics to point out where she speaks in ignorance. But given that she repeats the same scriptural passages that they themselves use (her arguments rely on premises they would accept), then there would appear to be little comeback.