What does the 4th of July symbolize to Douglass?
I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. Mr. Douglass is saying the 4th of July to the negro reminds them of the bondage and memories of slavery.
What rhetorical pattern does Douglass use in his speech?
In this paragraph, Douglass establishes an important rhetorical pattern, which he employs throughout the speech. Douglass assigns the possession of the United States to his audience alone, not to himself. Thus, Douglass describes “your national life” and “your nation” but never “our.” This is a highly purposeful rhetorical move.
What is the power of Frederick Douglass's rhetoric?
Much of the power of Douglass’s rhetoric is in its subversiveness. Throughout his speech, Douglass rarely delineates between white and black—he only references the “black” man four times, and the “white” man once.
Why does Douglass understate his capacity for rhetorical effect?
See in text (Text of Douglass's Speech) Douglass understates his own capacity for rhetorical effect at the beginning of this passage only to demonstrate through effective diction and imagery that he does possess the necessary oratory skills to inspire an audience to action.
The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro by Frederick Douglass