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Rhetorical Analysis Of Frederick Douglass Speech

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Frederick Douglass came from a mixed family, and was born a slave. Although he moved from plantations frequently, in his youth he learned how to read and write from a slaveholder’s wife. Douglass’ speech at the time was catered to Caucasians, and his goal is to explain that independence day for them is not a day to be celebrated by the African-American community. Douglass starts his speech by stating that he is not celebrating this Fourth of July. He believes the Decelerating of Independence allows for Caucasians to celebrate, however he cannot. Although the constitution states “justice, liberty, prosperity and independence” (39), there are still slaves. Douglass uses a rhetoric question as he asks: “What, to a slave is your 4th of July?” (39) This method is very effective as it does truly change the perspective of the audience. As he continues through the speech, Douglass believes this celebrations is just and excuse to “cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages” (39). This works in Douglass’ case because he states topics include in the Declaration of independence, however then uses it to show that slavery was still legal. …show more content…

This means that the ability to have and own slaves is no longer a state institution but now an “institution of the whole United States” (39). Douglass tells the audience that this so called ability is interconnected with religion the American government: “…all men are created equal; and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights” (40). It is understandable why he would use religion and how it is intertwined with the Constitution to justify racial equality for all, because during this time period along with the location of the speech, american citizens value their religion

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He questions his audience of the significance of Independence Day to slaves, and he answers it in an extremely contrasting way: “your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; … your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery,” that the celebration is “a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages.” Douglass dismisses the national pride, characterizing it as a mere expression of people’s ignorance. The antithesis, with “greatness” being “vanity,” “sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless,” and “shouts of liberty and equality” being “hollow mockery,” provokes shock and anger from the audience, who have just been part of it and are now degraded as “savages.” However, Douglass was not trying to be inflammatory but provocative, witnessing the pathetic enthusiasm in the anniversary, that people feel exuberant about themselves while ignoring the saddening

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The Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass shows the imbalance of power between slaves and their masters. In his book, Douglass proves that slavery is a destructive force not only to the slaves, but also for the slaveholders. “Poison of the irresponsible power” that masters have upon their slaves that are dehumanizing and shameless, have changed the masters themselves and their morality(Douglass 39). This amount of power and control in contact with one man breaks the kindest heart and the purest thoughts turning the person evil and corrupt. Douglass uses flashbacks that illustrate the emotions that declare the negative effects of slavery.

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Douglass establishes his credibility and authority on the issue of slavery and inequality in the United States by drawing on his own experience and expertise. He begins the speech by introducing himself as a former slave and expressing his sadness and disappointment at the Fourth of July festivities which celebrate the nation’s independence while ignoring the ongoing oppression of African Americans. He says, “I am not included within the pale of this glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us.” By acknowledging his own identity as a former slave, Douglass gives himself immediate credibility on the issue of slavery and inequality.

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