When reading Pisan, I was struck by her assertion, "the moral sciences, which the virtues, indeed, there is not the slighest doubt that moral education amends and enobles them [women]. How could anyone think or believe that whoever follows good teaching or doctrine is the worse for it" (545). It was interesting, and a bit dangerous I might add, to take such a stance as this regarding not only the education of women, but education in general. It was still a faux pas at this time to argue that anyone had a right to education, especially women. I think Pisan was a very savvy rhetorician, and made very many astute rhetorical choices to back up her claim.
For instance, given the historical context, it was a savvy move to not argue for a totally independent woman, but base the education of women on a safe sort of influence by men. She argues at one point that women can act as a mediator in disputes between men if they were well educated in moral philsophy. She states, "She will ponder long and hard whether she can do something(always perserving the honor of her husband) to prevent this war. In this cause she will wish to work and labor carefully, calling God to her aid, and by good counsel she will do whatever she can to find a way of peace" (547). This is smart because it adds benefit to education. Men would not be educating women to educate them, but educating them so that they can provide a useful service to the community.
She also plays on the stereotypes of women, and uses those to her advantage. Women are often portrayed as the "caring, nurturing mother type" and she reappropriates this for her own benefit. She states, "Since the good lady will bear these things in mind, and feel pity for the destruction of the people, she will wish to work to make peace" (547). It interesting to note that she never says its her land, or implies that the lady in anyway owns, or commands the people but that she is always working in the service of her husband. She does a good job of bother working with the social role she is provided, and transgressing that role to a great extent. She is a master of audience analysis and developing rhetorical that will persuade this audience without offending them to a great degree.