What is the primary purpose of Frederick Douglass's speech, 'What to the Slave Is Your Fourth of July?'

To expose the hypocrisy of celebrating freedom and independence while slavery exists.

In his speech, Douglass uses several rhetorical devices. Identify one such device and explain how it contributes to his overall purpose.

Douglass employs irony to highlight the disparity between the nation's proclaimed values and its treatment of enslaved people. This sharp contrast serves to indict the nation's hypocrisy.

How does Douglass use the phrase 'scorching irony' to convey his purpose?

Douglass uses 'scorching irony' to suggest that a direct, forceful, and even painful exposure of the nation's hypocrisy is necessary to awaken its conscience and spur action against slavery.

What specific actions or changes does Douglass hope to inspire in his audience through his speech?

Douglass aims to rouse the conscience of the nation, expose its hypocrisy, and ultimately inspire action to abolish slavery and extend the principles of freedom and justice to all.

Douglass states, 'To him, your celebration is a sham.' What does he mean by this, and how does it relate to his purpose?

Douglass means that the celebration of freedom is meaningless and hypocritical to the enslaved person. This statement underscores his purpose of exposing the nation's injustice and challenging its self-congratulatory narrative.

Douglass's Purpose

11th GradeELA90 min

Learning Objective

I can analyze Frederick Douglass's purpose for writing his autobiography.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

6 min

"What to the Slave Is the 4th of July?": James Earl Jones Reads Frederick Douglass's Historic Speech

Democracy Now!

Guided Notes

18 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
Frederick Douglass, born into slavery, became a key leader of the abolitionist movement.
•
Douglass delivered his speech, "What to the Slave Is Your Fourth of July?" on July 5th, 1852 in Rochester, New York.
•
Douglass argues that the Fourth of July reveals the "gross injustice and cruelty" experienced by the American slave.

Practice

27 min

12 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Based on the excerpt from Frederick Douglass's speech, "What to the Slave Is Your Fourth of July?", what do you think was Douglass's primary purpose in delivering this speech?”

Teacher Guide

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Douglass's Purpose

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

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Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

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