For each of the following questions, give a thorough, specific answer from Frederick Douglass' speech, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" Answer #1 and at least 3 more for homework. We will finish the other four later in the week.
1. Choose two or three of the most important quotations from the speech, write them down, and jot down a few notes for each so that you are prepared to present the quotations to the class.
2. The United States had a tradition of giving commemorative speeches on the Fourth of July, but what kind of speech is Douglass’s? What is the point of his speech (i.e. what is he hoping to persuade his audience of?)—be specific.
3. Describe and analyze some of the metaphors that Douglass uses.
4. Analyze Douglass’ use of repetition in the speech. Give several examples and explain how they are effective.
5. What parallels does Douglass use in order to make his points about masters and slaves (i.e. what other relationships does Douglass compare to the master/slave relationship)? And what points does he make through these parallels?
6. Analyze Douglass’ use of irony in the speech.
7. Define pathos, ethos, and logos and discuss (briefly) how Douglass uses each strategy in the speech.
8. What do you think is the most effective aspect of the speech? Explain.