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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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