Rhetorical Analysis Frederick Douglass

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How can emotions be described in a way that inflicts the reader with the same fog of feelings as it afflicts the writer? In pieces of heavy emotion, specific language is often used to convey the author’s condition of mind. One such emotional passage is Frederick Douglass’s recount on his feelings after escaping slavery and arriving in the free state of New York. Douglass uses specific language, such as figures of speech- namely metaphors and imagery- and syntax and word choice, as tools to convey his states of mind throughout the passage.

Imagery and metaphor are used heavily throughout Douglass’s recount. In telling how he felt immediately upon his arrival at New York, Douglass says, “I suppose I felt as one may imagine the unarmed mariner to feel when he is rescued by a friendly man-of-war from the pursuit of a pirate. In writing to a dear friend, immediately after my arrival at New York, I said I felt like one who had escaped a den of hungry lions” (Douglass). Douglass compares himself to the saved victims of pirates and the prey of lions to convey the sheer relief and exhilaration that he felt at his escape from slavery. Later, as he slips back into suspicion, Douglass uses imagery to project his fear at there being a dark side to his freedom. In responding to those who say they sympathize with him, Douglass …show more content…
Imagery and metaphor are used extensively by Douglass to convey his initial and later stages of mind towards his escape to freedom. Syntax and word choice is used to further his descriptions of his states of mind through contrasting phrases and specific descriptive words. Douglass’s constant theme of predator vs. prey is therefore made apparent, making this piece a true psychological statement on the effects of such a change on the psyche of

Frederick Douglass Rhetorical Analysis

Moreover, Douglass has the biggest heart known to man and it is very evident through the narrative. As an audience member I could tell that the actions that was happening to the slaves really hit home to Douglass because it lived that everyday. He thought that once he was freed he would be able to escape and run far away but that wasn't that case at all. Slaves was still being raped and killed on a daily basis. The way that Douglass speaks about the events that happened it is easy to say that it…

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Frederick Douglass Rhetorical Analysis

Frederick Douglass’s words are really strong in this text. He talks about what The 4th of July means to him and to his fellow brethren, who, for the most part, were slaves. Douglass goes on to talk about why he does not celebrate The 4th of July and the injustices done to the slaves. His feelings are so pronounced and the subjective perspective of his is really effective. Douglass starts off by saying how there is a “distance” between them and the ordinary American. The author says this: “The…

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Frederick Douglass Rhetorical Analysis

Frederick Douglass was a man who went through slavery, suffered, and still came out an emotionally and educationally intelligent man. He decided to use his experience and knowledge around slavery to bring a new perspective to the topic. In the Narrative of The Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass tries to change our understanding of the claim, "all men are created equal," by showing us the truth about slavery as a system and a less-than-experience. Firstly, He shows us the brutality and abusiveness…

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Frederick Douglass Rhetorical Analysis

1) Fredrick Douglass spent a lot of his time talking about how everyone agreed slaves were human and that they were entitled to liberty. He did this because even though people said they agreed with these ideas their actions did not show it. During the fourth of July blacks had nothing to celebrate because most blacks still were not free; however, a black man and former slave was asked to speak about their nation independence. 2) The vivid imagery in Douglass’s speech makes the reader feel guilty…

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Frederick Douglass Rhetorical Analysis

Despite these exclamations of joy, a feeling of foreboding is present that should be heeded by those who have accomplished the same as Douglas. Indeed this premonition is well founded, being “fugitive[s] … in a strange land - a land” where they were “subjected to the… liability” that they could be “seized upon” by “legalized kidnappers - … [or] his fellowmen”(Douglas 19). With multiple hyphens used, Douglas makes further comparison of their fragile position in society. Greatly lengthening the sentence…

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Frederick Douglass Rhetorical Analysis

Frederick Douglass was a fair man who wanted things to go the right way but being born into slavery it was hard for him to make an immediate impact. Here is a little background info on his life to see where he might have wanted to be an abolitionist. Frederick Douglass was born into slavery sometime around 1818 in Talbot County, Maryland. He became one of the most famous intellectuals of his time, advising presidents and lecturing to thousands on a range of causes, including women’s rights and Irish…

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Frederick Douglass Rhetorical Analysis

Virginia. He showed no animosity toward the Confederate he had fought, rather he had respect. Frederick Douglass held a similar attitude in May 1878, an attitude filled with “charity toward all, and malice toward none.” Even in the continual face of rampant discrimination and white supremacism from leaders of the Democratic Party, Frederick Douglass fought for justice and equality. Frederick Douglass responded to Confederate sympathizers by acknowledging their treason and wrongdoings, but moving…

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Frederick Douglass Rhetorical Analysis

experiences, slavery and unfairness? In the Narrative of Frederick Douglass, Douglass talks about slavery and its cruelty. Douglass wants to change people's idea of "All men are created equal" by using his life during slavery and his life experiences. He uses strong and clear language to show what is going on in the narrative. By him using this language he paints a picture in your head about what he's talking about and what happens during his life. Douglass uses his life experiences and the slave life to…

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Frederick Douglass Rhetorical Analysis

Frederick Douglass is one of the most famous slave narratives, which was written in 1845. It’s an autobiography story of his life from the time he was born a slave till his escape to freedom in the north during 1838.Frederick is the most famous black American of his era because he managed to do a lot other than writing a book about slavery and for being an advisor to the presidents. He wasn't just a writer but also a public speaker, he gave public speech/lectures about his experience as a slave.…

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Frederick Douglass Rhetorical Analysis

Frederick Douglas had suffered an intolerable life as a slave. After he gained his freedom, he dedicated his time in helping to raise awareness in the abolition of slavery. He argues in his narrative, that slavery is not just detrimental to the slaves, but to the slaveholders as well. He tries to show how slavery has rid the slaveholders of their humanity. He describes them as beasts, and hypocrites. He wants to show how holding such power can drive people to brutality, hypocrisy, and cruelty. He…

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