Excerpt from "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"

1. 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.

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

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

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

In paragraph 3 and 4, the speaker employs vivid imagery such as "chains of servitude" and "grand illuminated temple of liberty." How does this use of rhetoric contribute to the speaker's purpose? (R.2.3)

• It provides a positive outlook on the Fourth of July celebration.

• It provides specific examples of current injustice throughout the nation.

• It supports a logical argument about the benefits of national independence.

• It enhances the emotional impact and conveys the harsh realities of slavery.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

How does the speaker use rhetorical questions to advance his purpose in the passage? (R.2.3)

• To express admiration for the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

• To challenge the audience's understanding of national independence and justice.

• To provide historical context for the celebration of the Fourth of July.

• To highlight the progress made by the nation throughout history warranting the celebration of July 4th.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

In the passage, when the speaker declares, "I will, in the name of humanity which is outraged, in the name of liberty which is fettered, in the name of the constitution and the Bible which are disregarded and trampled upon," how does the appeal impact the listener? (R.3.4)

• The speaker is aligning their argument with facts to impact the listener logically and persuade the audience.

• The speaker is aligning their argument with examples to impact the listener emotionally and persuade the audience.

• The speaker is aligning their argument with principles to establish credibility and persuade the audience.

• The speaker is aligning their argument with specific injustices to impact the listener emotionally and persuade the audience.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

In paragraph 11, the speaker uses the phrase, "For it is not light that is needed, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder.” What impact does the rhetorical device have in this expression? (R.3.4) 

• The reference of each part connects to show the whole problem the nation is currently facing.

• The description emphasizes reasoning behind the speaker’s suggestions on what actions are needed. 

• The comparison highlights the speaker’s recommendations on what actions are needed from the nation

• The contrast emphasizes the speaker's call for more intense and impactful action rather than subtle or gentle approaches.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Read the etymology of the word denunciation:

Origin: Latin - denunciacionem

de - from, down, away

nounce - call; say

tion - the action of 

What does the word denunciation mean, as it is used in paragraph 12? (V.1.2)

• speaking for someone

• calling someone a liar

• speaking against someone

• calling an act wrong or incorrect

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

Read this section from paragraph 3:

For who is there so cold, that a nation’s sympathy could not warm him? Who so obdurate and dead to the claims of gratitude, that would not thankfully acknowledge such priceless benefits? Who so stolid and selfish, that would not give his voice to swell the hallelujahs of a nation’s jubilee, when the chains of servitude had been torn from his limbs? 

What is the best meaning of obdurate as used in the passage?  (V.1.3)

• strict

• flexible

• stubborn

• agreeable

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.8.4