Question

in aint i a woman? why does truth repeat the phrase aint i a woman? throughout the second paragraph?
that man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud - puddles, or gives me any best place! and aint i a woman? look at me! look at my arm! i have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! and aint i a woman? i could work as much and eat as much as a man - when i could get it - and bear the lash as well! and aint i a woman? i have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when i cried out with my mothers grief, none but jesus heard me! and aint i a woman?
○ to suggest that audience should worry about her
○ to reinforce the idea that men should be more helpful
○ to suggest that females are tougher than males
○ to reinforce that she is strong, resilient and female

Explanation:

The speaker lists her experiences (ploughing, planting, bearing children, etc.). Repeating "Ain't I a woman?" emphasizes that despite her strength (working like a man, bearing hardships), she is a woman. It's not about seeking worry (no indication of that), not mainly about men being helpful (focus is on her identity), and not a general comparison of toughness between genders (specific to her as a woman).

Answer:

to reinforce that she is strong, resilient and female