What to a Slave is the Fourth of July Review

In lines 2–3, Douglass states, “What have I, or those I represent, to do with your national independence”? How does this question represent Douglass's appeal to ethos?

• As an elected official, he has credibility to speak for his constituents.

• As a former slave, he has credibility to speak on slaves’ behalf.

• As the head of an abolitionist group, he has credibility to present its views.

• As a minister, he has credibility to present the Christian perspective.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

Which statement reflects an appeal to logos?

• “I can to-day take up the plaintive lament of a peeled and woe-smitten people.” (lines 34–35)

• “I do not hesitate to declare, with all my soul, that the character and conduct of this nation never looked blacker to me. . . .” (lines 56–57)

• “Must I undertake to prove that the slave is a man? That point is conceded already.” (lines 79–80)

• “I would to-day pour out a fiery stream of biting ridicule, blasting reproach, withering sarcasm, and stern rebuke.” (lines 140–141)

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

Douglass cites laws that forbid teaching slaves to read and write as evidence that supports the general principle that

• slavery is immoral.

• slavery is not divine

• slaves are entitled to liberty.

• slaves are men, not animals.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

Douglass says he would make himself “ridiculous” if he argued that “man is entitled to liberty” (lines 111, 119–120) because

• he is not skillful enough to make the argument.

• the claim is too complex to be argued simply

• the audience already accepts the principle.

• the topic is not relevant to the occasion.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

What word best describes Douglass’s tone throughout the speech?

• balanced

• passionate

• patriotic

• solemn

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

As used in Douglass’s speech, pale means

• boundary

• bucket

• shield

• vehicle

To cleave means to

• drop

• loosen

• spread

• stick

What does reproach mean?

• an answer

• a disgrace

• a model

• a treasure

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

What does quickened mean?

• controlled

• multiplied

• stimulated

• suppressed

As Douglass uses the term, license means

• government authority

• loose behavior

• powerful language

• sound reasoning