What to the slave is the fourth of july analysis. "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" Analysis of Frederick Douglass's speech, how did he construct his argument and did he argue effectively. 2022-10-05
What to the slave is the fourth of july analysis
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"What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" is a famous speech delivered by abolitionist Frederick Douglass on July 5, 1852. In this speech, Douglass reflects on the celebration of Independence Day and the hypocrisy of celebrating a holiday that celebrates freedom and liberty, while still tolerating the enslavement of African Americans.
Douglass begins his speech by pointing out that the Declaration of Independence states that "all men are created equal" and have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." However, he notes that these rights are not extended to African Americans, who are still being held in bondage despite the supposed ideals of the founding fathers. He asks, "What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?" and answers that it is a day of mockery and deception, a day when they are reminded of their own oppression and the hypocrisy of their oppressors.
Douglass goes on to argue that the celebration of Independence Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing injustice and inequality faced by African Americans. He notes that while the founding fathers fought for freedom and liberty, they did so while also perpetuating the institution of slavery and denying basic human rights to a large portion of the population. Douglass argues that the true celebration of Independence Day should involve the recognition and rectification of these wrongs, rather than simply commemorating the ideals of the founding fathers without addressing their flaws.
Throughout his speech, Douglass presents a powerful and eloquent argument for the need for true equality and justice for all people. He calls on his listeners to confront the hypocrisy and injustice of slavery, and to work towards a future where all people are truly free and treated with dignity and respect. Douglass's words are as relevant today as they were in 1852, and serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in our society.
Slave Is The Fourth Of July Analysis
It is now known as one of the best orations in American history, and Douglass's purporting to be less skilled than his audience is in one way a form of flattery and, in another, a form of mockery. What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July Rhetorical Analysis 464 Words 2 Pages Throughout Douglass's speech, he exceeds expectations by adding excellent examples of ethos, pathos, and unique tone. Douglass alludes to other scholars who have written at length on the subject before asking why, if the Constitution is meant to uphold slavery, the word "slavery" never actually appears in the document. We are not all created equal. What have I, or those I represent, to do with your national independence? A notable difference is how a person of color can be enslaved. GradeSaver, 28 July 2022 Web.
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A Nation's Story: “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”
Douglass t aps this cerebral element and works in groups of three to produce various assertions during his speech which performs well as a medium of rhetoric to imprint a thought on others. Douglass argues that the admirable American traits of liberty, freedom, and the American Dream should also be afforded to slaves, so that no man is ultimately enslaved to another. While the blind rejoice, the oppressed are driven further into sadness. Now for Lincoln to say such sincere words about slavery, shows that he emancipated slaves for the right reasons and with nothing but good intentions. This anti-slavery newsletter reached millions of people and inspired them to work towards the upliftment of African-Americans. Douglas uses many rhetorical strategies to convey his powerful emotions on the subject, and the end result is a very effectively argued point.
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Speech Analysis of 'What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?'
Wells-Barnett, a militant civil rights fighter. In the text, such words are italicized, meaning that while he gave the speech, he made sure to put emphasis on these words in a way that would be comparable to squeezing the pressure points of his audience you. He states that the nation should not be proud of the present status of freedom because of the evident existence of slavery. In the next paragraph, he continues to ask rhetorical questions. Frederick Douglass used a sarcastic tone in his speech because not everyone could celebrate this holiday.
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What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July Analysis
Frederick douglass was born as a slave and he does a speech on the fourth of july and they are thinking that he is going to give a whora speech but he dont do that it 's the complete opposite of what they thought. Not to forget, he provided the audience with the key takeaway of striving towards the path of equality. With each, e elaborates on the fact that each argument is so basic, so implicit, that it need not be argued. The fact that he speaks so harshly to this particular audience only shows how passionately he feels for his own people. Pathos is an appeal to emotions, ethos is an appeal to trust, and logos is an appeal to reasoning or logic. He paints a vivid and disturbing portrait of slave auctions before admitting that these images keep him awake at night, as they are all too familiar to him even as a free man.
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“What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Analysis Essay Example
The Fourth of July is a holiday celebrating America 's independence but how can America claim that is a free nation when a part of their population is still enslaved. With these he appeals to his audience and the nation to face the injustices present in a democracy clinging to the practice of slavery. The newly independent nation comes into existence on the principles the Declaration of Independence enlists as equality, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Announcing that he already spoken too long, Douglass tells his audience that despite the state of things in America, he is hopeful for the future. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. By reading his narrative it is safe to say that Frederick Douglass believes that slavery is completely wrong. He rages against the incomprehensibility of educated Americans to decide what is ethically right and wrong in society.
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What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? Study Guide
Amir was shot during no-knock investigation, Patrick, an African refugee was chased down and shot in the back of the head. He asked what is July 4th to an enslaved person by basically calling himself and the people of his present time enslaved. Read its preamble, consider its purposes. His speech, given at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, was held at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York. On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass was asked to address the people of Rochester, New York.
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What to the Slave is the Fourth of July
Retrieved August 13, 2015. This intense amount of power breaks the kindest heart and changes the slaveholder into a heartless demon Douglass 40. He narrates the historical events as a story to trace the progression of the revolutionary sentiments and noble cause. Many families commemorate annually the Fourth of July while others have to acknowledge their loved absence due to police brutality. Douglass uses his own experience of being a slave to fight against the institution of slavery.
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What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?
Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. With little experience and with less learning, I have been able to throw my thoughts hastily and imperfectly together, and trusting your patient and generous indulgence, I will proceed to lay them before you" 58. As such, he declares that in order to abolish slavery, one must point out the continual hypocrisy among Americans rather than engage in petty arguments that are so easily refuted. For Douglass, the abolition of slavery is necessary for the very continuation of America as a sovereign nation. It is a very good question that has yet to be answered. Douglas answers the question, "What to the slave is the fourth of July? Addressing the American Slave Trade, Douglass points out the hypocrisy of condemning the global trade while enabling the internal buying and selling of slaves. He declares that the abolition of slavery is inevitable, and celebrates the fact that the world is becoming increasingly more connected.
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