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How Does Frederick Douglass Use Rhetorical Devices

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This article discusses how Frederick Douglass uses irony, rhetorical devices, and facts to argue that slavery is not sanctioned by the Constitution. - Frederick Douglass was an American slave born in Maryland in 1817. He escaped slavery at the age of twenty and became an impressive orator. His work is a prime example of what can be accomplished when using rhetorical devices effectively. In his narrative, Douglass cites examples from the Constitution that support his argument against slavery. He also uses text citations to refer to the works of authors such as Gregory Stephens. As an example, a full citation using the CSE Citation Sequence would look like this: Stephens, G., & Douglass, F., (1852). Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. New York: Penguin Putnam Inc. Frederick Douglass was born a slave in 1818 and had very little knowledge of his own life and the world around him. He was brought up …show more content…

He was able to identify and comprehend these slave songs, which he encountered while listening to the singing of his fellow slaves. The depth and complexity of the lyrics, along with supernatural powers and prayers expressed in the songs, gave Douglass a greater understanding of the slave experience. In his autobiography, he tells his readers how he heard some African-American slaves singing about certain plants that had special sympathy for their plight. He soon realized that these songs were a form of solidarity among slaves and he was immensely inspired by them. As a young boy, Fredrick Douglass worked as a house servant and was treated harshly by his master's wife. He also recounts how he was sent to Edward Covey, a “sabbath breaker” who specialized in breaking the spirit of slaves. Despite his harsh treatment, Douglass found strength in the knowledge that his fellow slave had been through similar experiences and this discourages the slave

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This can be most certainly identified through Douglass’s through use of “I”. He explains that he was able to gain the possession of a book, called “The Columbian Orator.” He goes into further detail that he was deeply enjoyed and impassioned when reading this books. He explains would read the book every single chance that he had. He describes that out of much other interesting matter he found a dialogue between a master and his slave to be his favorite.

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For example, Frederick was taken from his mother at a very young age and never allowed to have a relationship with her.   The language Douglass used in the narrative was direct.  Direct language convinces the audience that slavery is evil.   One important rhetoric theme Douglass conveyed in his message is pathos.

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Rhetorical Analysis for ‘The Narrative of the life of Fredrick Douglass’ Fredrick Douglass’s influential experiences recorded in ‘The Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass’, reveals his woeful hardships as a slave, which he overcomes with his unfaltering desire to become an educated and ultimately free man. He apprises readers of the monstrous realities of slavery whilst providing a silver lining of hope to light the path to freedom. Throughout the entirety of the book, FD’s riveting diction accentuates his forthright opinions and detestation toward the vicious, pitiless, and blood-thirsty slaveholders with words such as “wicked”, “horrid” and “cowardly”. To slaveholders, education was a threat; to FD it was a sanctuary.

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In the first three paragraphs, Douglass’ writes about some of the difficulties he faced as a slave, although his leisurely tone conveys little emotion. In these paragraphs, Douglass writes long, winding sentences, containing many details and a great deal of imagery. He mentions slave-breaker Mr. Covey, who was extremely

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Frederick Douglass was a highly respected abolitionist, reformist, as well as civil and women’s rights leader. Douglass was apparently born on plantation in Talbot County, Maryland around the years 1816-1818. He dies 77 years later due to a fatal heart attack. Throughout his journey beginning from a captive slave to a well-known and esteemed activist, Douglass also changes the way Americans viewed race, slavery, rights and America’s democracy. From the 1800s, Douglass’ life and captivity along with his escape as a slave has been a widespread foundation for inspiration, motivation, knowledge and hope for decades.

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