“What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” Quiz

"Are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice in the Declaration of Independence offered to us?"

In this sentence, principles mean:

• racism

• a personal basis of conduct or management

• inheritance

• treason

"To forget them, to pass lightly over their wrongs, and to chime in with the popular theme, would be treason most scandalous and shocking, and would make me a reproach before God and the world."

In this sentence, treason means:

• a betrayal of trust

• rival

• savages

• auction

"America is false to the past, false to the present, and solemnly binds herself to be false to the future."

In the sentence, solemnly means:

• erect

• scorching

• in a serious manner

• denounced

"What is this but the acknowledgment that the slave is a moral, intellectual, and responsible being?"

In the sentence, moral means:

• auction

• rules of right and wrong

• reigns

• sermons

"For the present, it is enough to affirm the equal manhood of the Negro race."

In the sentence, affirm means:

• fraud

• contempt

• to support

• exposed

"Would you have me argue that man is entitled to liberty?"

In the sentence, liberty means:

• hymns

• canopy

• injustice

• freedom

According to the passage, what does the speaker consider as the most effective way to address the issues of slavery? (R.2.2)

• Douglass recognizes the greatness of the Founding Fathers while acknowledging their blind spot regarding slavery.

•  Douglass believes the ideals of the Declaration of Independence should be extended to all Americans, including slaves.

• Douglass admires the achievements of the Founding Fathers but doubts their sincerity in proclaiming freedom and equality

• 1. Douglass believes the celebration of Independence Day is hypocritical in the face of ongoing slavery.

In paragraph 6, how does Douglass’ comparison between the past and present support his central idea? (R.2.2)

• By emphasizing the little progress made by the nation connecting to his sorrowful feelings towards celebrating July 4th.

• By emphasizing the falsehood of the nation connecting to his disgusted feelings towards celebrating July 4th.

• By highlighting specific actions taken in the past and present actions connecting his furious feelings towards celebrating July 4th.

• By highlighting the progress made by the nation connecting to his feelings of admiration towards celebrating July 4th.

What is the significance of the speaker's reference to "your 4th of July"? (R.2.2)

• It highlights the speaker's pride in being part of the national celebration.

• It emphasizes the speaker's acknowledgment of the importance of American independence.

• It draws attention to the speaker's view that the Fourth of July is a day of injustice and cruelty for the American slave.

• It suggests the speaker's desire to participate in the festivities despite the ongoing issues.

How does the speaker's use of the phrase "scorching irony" contribute to the overall purpose of the passage? (R.2.3)

• It emphasizes the speaker’s focus on educating his listeners on the suffering of slaves throughout history.

• It emphasizes the speaker's acceptance for the Fourth of July celebration.

• It signals a shift from serious argument to playful language regarding the nation's celebration of July 4th.

• It sets the stage for a critique and condemnation of the nation's actions.