Frederick Douglass Speech Rhetorical Analysis

When the United States created the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, they preached the idea of rights, freedom and equality. Frederick Douglass gave a speech on July 4th, 1852, where he explained how hypocritical it actually was. In Frederick Douglass’ speech, he states how slaves are not included in the Declaration of Independence. He argues that slavery is the sin and shame of America. He points out the idiocy of slavery since they must do what other men do, but have to actually prove that they are men. He explains the hypocrisy of the people by giving them the perspective of a slave. Fourth of July is just another day to a slave that reminds him even more of his injustice. Prayers, religious celebrations, sermons and hymns are just

He wants the people to realize just how hypocritical they are in what they proclaim compared to what they actually do. He does this when he says, “The existence of slavery in this country brands your republicanism as a sham, your humanity as a base pretence, and your Christianity as a lie.” Frederick Douglass exposes the evils of slavery by giving the people a slave’s perspective of their Fourth of July. He explains that Fourth of July is just another day to a slave, where he is reminded that he is a victim of abuse and inequality. He also discusses how slavery even damages society by saying it is the enemy of improvement/progress. He does this when he states, “It is the enemy of improvement, the deadly foe of education; it fosters pride; it promotes vice; it shelters crime.” Frederick Douglass has hope that slavery will soon end because the world is becoming united/closer to one another. For example, when he states, “Thoughts expressed on one side of the Atlantic are distinctly heard on the other.” He also sees how nations are more advanced and are not in the same state they were in the past. He believes that as more people become better educated, they will realize the foolishness of slavery and it will soon come to an