Frederick Douglass Rhetorical Techniques

Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave, was one of the most influential African American leaders in the 1800’s. On July 5, 1852, he gave a speech commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence at Rochester’s Corinthian Hall. In this speech, Douglass uses many strategies to build up his argument that not only was slavery a discrimination to different races, but a complete contradiction of the United States Constitution. Using the three techniques of persuasion and variations of rhetorical devices, he was able to convince the audience that slavery is cruel and inequitable. Throughout this speech, Douglass emphasizes that the Fourth of July is mainly celebrating a white man's freedom, and not his own “kind.” He uses rhetorical questions such as, “Are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice, extended to us [blacks]?” Douglass then pushes forward his point, “This Fourth July [sic] is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must …show more content…
At the beginning, he apologizes ahead of time for any of the mistakes he might make, due to his lack of education and preparation. “That I am here today is, to me, a matter of astonishment as well as of gratitude. You will not, therefore, be surprised, if in what I have to say, I evince no elaborate preparation, nor grace my speech with any high sounding exordium. With little experience and with less learning, I have been able to throw my thoughts hastily and imperfectly together; and trusting to your patient and generous indulgence, I will proceed to lay them before you.” It is Ethos because a good man knows that he is not perfect. Douglass realizes that and maintains a modest attitude. Douglass keeps his achievements lowkey, resulting in a more humble vibe. He also mentions that being able to speak at Corinthian Hall is a “privilege.” His point of view is credible because he was a once a slave and has experienced the injustices of