Part 1

In Frederick Douglass’ speech “What to a Negro is the Fourth of July?”  his argument is the American nation, the “Land of the Free” is celebrating a holiday that is a form of hypocrisy to majority of its population. The Fourth of July, known as independence day is celebrated by American’s as the day they were freed from the British rule, however the slaves in that time period remained in bondage. The American people glorify the day they were freed, yet continued to oppress people just as they were but in more extremes.

Quote #1: “Were the nation older, the patriot’s heart might be sadder, and the reformers brow heavier. Its future might be shrouded in gloom, and the hope of its prophets go out in sorrow. There is consolation in thought, that America is young-” (Douglass 2).

Paraphrase: Douglass is comparing an older nation to the fairly new, at this time period, America.

Response: In this time, America had only been formed for about 76 years and was following the behavior of the British. Though the British did not give them proper rights, they noticed how they had full control until the revolution. American leaders would adapt this plan, and use it to control the slaves and manipulate them to submission. Douglass is instilling hope in the people that there can still be change, America needs time to grow and learn proper democracy in order to have a equal society.

Quote #2: “The sunlight that brought life and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice/must mourn. To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty, and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony” (Douglass 8).

Paraphrase: Douglass states directly to the celebrators of this holiday that this celebration was not made for Blacks or the slaves, its a mockery to those in bondage and emphasizes the hypocrisy of the nation.

Response:  The Fourth of July is a holiday that is celebrated by Americans for the independence of the people from great Britain. The flag is a symbol of strength for American soldiers and pride for the patriots. However, in the eye of Slave the flag is nothing more but a symbol of pain and oppression. While Americans would celebrate, the slaves remained in bondage and remained in suffering, which essentially goes against the overall meaning of America. Douglass would also use the term, “Sacrilegious irony” which would grab my attention because there were many forms of justifications from the people at that time for slavery, ranging from politics to religion. Americans would use the church as justification for slavery, defending it with various interpretations for verses from the Bible.

 

Part 2

Quote #1: “Mark the sad procession, as it moves wearily along, and the inhuman wretch who drives them. Hear his savage yells and his blood-chilling oaths, as he hurries on his affrighted captives! There, see the old man, with locks thinned and gray. Cast one glance, if you please, upon that young mother, whose shoulders are bare to the scorching sun, her briny tears falling on the brow of the babe in her arms” (Douglass 11)

Writing Strategy: Imagery

Effectiveness: This writing strategy is effective because it places the reader or listener at the setting, and it allows the reader to fully understand Douglass’ argument.

Quote #2: “I was born amid such sights and scenes. To me American slave-trade is a terrible reality. When a child, my soul was often pierced with a sense of its horrors. I lived on Philpot Street, Fells point, Baltimore, and have watched from the wharves, the slave ships in the basin, anchored from the shore, with their cargo of human flesh, waiting for favorable winds to waft them down the Chesapeake” (Douglass 12).

Writing Strategy: Personal Ancedote

Effectiveness: This strategy is effective because is gives a sense of ethics to the reader or listener. Aside from Douglass’ political background, more credibility is established because he has experienced and seen the slave trade happen first hand.