Question

21,031 Learners found this answer helpful

directions: respond to each question below. do your best to respond in full sentences with proper grammar and cite textual evidence from the speech to support your answers. 1. how does douglasss opening reference to the declaration of independence reinforce his message? (3 points) 2. douglass makes frequent references to god and the bible. why does he refer to religion as part of his argument? identify at least two references to religion and explain how these references contribute to his overall argument. (3 points) 3. in what ways is douglasss word choice suited to his audience? how effective would it be for a modern audience? explain. (3 points) 4. douglas presented this speech to an antislavery society—an audience that was already on his side. why, then, did douglass speak as harshly as he did? whom was he trying to reach? (3 points) 5. what have you learned about the struggle for freedom from reading this speech? (3 points)

Explanation:

1. The Declaration of Independence asserts the equality and inalienable rights of all men. Douglass references it to highlight the hypocrisy of a nation that preaches freedom and equality while allowing slavery. By invoking this foundational document, he forces his audience to confront the contradiction between the nation's ideals and its reality, strengthening his call for the abolition of slavery. For example, if he quotes principles like "all men are created equal," it emphasizes how far - removed the situation of slaves is from this ideal.
2. Religion was a powerful force in 19th - century American society. By referring to God and the Bible, Douglass appeals to the moral and religious sensibilities of his audience. He may use passages from the Bible that promote justice, love, and equality to argue against slavery. For instance, if he mentions the Golden Rule, it shows that treating slaves as property violates Christian teachings. Another reference could be to God's justice, suggesting that those who support slavery will face divine judgment.
3. Douglass's word choice was suited to his 19th - century antislavery audience in that he used elevated and rhetorical language to appeal to their sense of morality and justice. He also used emotional appeals and vivid descriptions to stir their sympathies. For a modern audience, his language still has power due to its moral clarity and the timeless nature of the issues he addresses. His use of rhetorical questions and powerful imagery can engage modern readers as well, making them reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality.
4. Although speaking to an antislavery society, Douglass spoke harshly to reach a wider audience, including those on the fence about slavery and those who were pro - slavery. His harsh words were meant to shock people into action and to expose the true horrors of slavery. He also wanted to inspire the antislavery society to more radical action, not just passive agreement.
5. From reading the speech, one learns that the struggle for freedom is long and arduous. It requires courage, as Douglass shows in speaking out against a powerful and entrenched institution. The struggle also requires appealing to moral and legal principles, as he does with the Declaration of Independence and religion. Additionally, it shows that freedom is not always a given, even in a nation that claims to be founded on the principles of liberty.

Answer:

1. Douglass references the Declaration of Independence to highlight the hypocrisy of a free - loving nation allowing slavery, forcing his audience to confront the contradiction between ideals and reality.
2. He refers to religion to appeal to the moral and religious sensibilities of his audience, using Bible passages to argue against slavery and suggest divine judgment for supporters of slavery.
3. His 19th - century word choice used elevated language and emotional appeals for his audience; for a modern audience, its moral clarity and rhetorical devices remain effective.
4. He spoke harshly to reach those on the fence and pro - slavery individuals, and to inspire more radical action from the antislavery society.
5. The struggle for freedom is long, requires courage, and involves appealing to moral and legal principles.