Frederick Douglass Speech Rhetorical Analysis

In Douglass’ speech, his tone mainly appeals to emotions. He engages the listeners emotionally by stating his opinion over the topic of slavery. Douglass states, “My subject, then, fellow-citizens, is AMERICAN SLAVERY. I shall see this day and its popular characteristics from the slave’s point of view,” (52-54). This quote from his speech goes to show that he is standing up as a person who has actually experienced times of slavery. There is a great deal of credibility in Douglass’ writing because he refers to actual encounters that the African-American’s had dealt with in the way they were being treated. “I say it with a sad sense of the disparity between us. I am not included within the pale of this glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us,” (19-22). Douglass is implying that he, along with the rest of the former slaves, do not feel that they are included in the celebration of the Fourth of July. He and the former slaves feel this way because even though they are said to have freedom, the people in the country
He spoke with a purpose, which was to get his opinion across, and little did he care if he offended someone in the process. His use of emotions triggered the intensity levels throughout the text. This is because he made references to his own life, in the way he, his friends, and family were treated. It had to have been frustrating for Douglass to tell the listeners about it personal life because it got him very worked up. However, his intensity with his actions brought an understanding of his purpose for writing, to the people listening to his speech. “....with all the emphasis I can command, everything that serves to perpetuate slavery-the great sin and shame of America!” (Douglass 66-67). In this quote, it shows that Douglass did not hesitate when he spoke about the way he felt about