ipl-logo

Hypocrisy Of American Slavery By Frederick Douglass

797 Words4 Pages
“Hypocrisy of American Slavery” by Frederick Douglass is a speech where Douglass uses some appeals to strengthen his opinion that the audience should not celebrate a free country when our country isn 't free, and censures the idea of slavery. Throughout Douglass’ speech, he uses great word choices to get the audience 's attention; And focus the audience 's attention on why he believes that 4th of July shouldn’t be a happy holiday. “The gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim”(Para.10). The author purposely uses these words to not sound callow. Also, the phrase “gross injustice cruelty” makes America’s choices sound ten times worse; which is what Douglass was trying to do. Another example of word choice is when Douglass says “To chime in with the popular theme would be treason most scandalous and shocking, and would make me a reproach before God and the world”(Para.5). He says this to show the audience that he does not support what the US is doing and that it is patently wrong. Also that the audience are sinning and should not celebrate sin. Douglass says “Scandalous and shocking” to emphasize how hypocritical America really is. “The character and conduct of this nation never looked blacker to me than on the Fourth of July”(Para.6). In this phrase Douglass declares that he is not proud of this country, in fact Douglass is ashamed. The reason the reader believes he is not proud is because of his sedulous word choice. Frederick Douglass uses emotion to
Open Document