What to the Slave Is the 4th of July Ananlysis

Rhetorical Analysis of Frederick Douglas

Frederick Douglas in his speech, “What to the Slaves, Is the Fourth of July?”,

eloquently establishes the hypocrisies prevalent in American society during the

1800’s. He was asked to give a speech at an anti-slavery meeting during a Fourth

of July celebration, and he took that opportunity to demoralize the institution of

slavery. He deemed it hypocritical for the anti-slavery constituents to ask him to

deliver such a speech. Considering he was, a black man and escaped slave it seemed

to Douglas a little oxymoronic to speak on this particular holiday. However, the

holiday created the perfect kairos for him to present his argument: why should

Black Americans, free or other wise, celebrate the Fourth of July? Douglas using

his knowledge of the audience to play on their already predisposed sympathies by

using a combination of ethos, pathos, and logos. The purpose of his speech was to

reinforce the ideals of why slaves should be set free.

Douglas found the occasion perfect to argue the on going debate about

slavery in America. Although karios is about that opportune moment and must

not be pre-composed it requires some prior knowledge of the topic. Douglas

acknowledges that he has been contemplating for some time the issue of slavery,

however, has never had the right opportunity to present his argument. Taking

advantage of kairos Douglas states, “The task before me is on which requires much

previous thought and study for its proper performance” (Douglas 230). Being

attuned to his kairos Douglas acknowledges the opposing arguments he faces, and

uses them to set up his major points. For example he proclaims:

But I fancy hear some of my audience say; it is just in this circumstance that

you and your brother abolitionist fail to make a favorable impression on the

public mind. Would you argue more, and denounce less, would you persuade

more, and rebuke less,