Question

the title of this poem identifies a famous historical figure, frederick douglass, who escaped from slavery to become a leading abolitionist, writer, public speaker, and statesman. douglass called for reform, demanding that all people enjoy the rights of freedom and equality.

from frederick douglass

and he was no soft - tongued apologist;
he spoke straightforward, fearlessly uncowed;
the sunlight of his truth dispelled the mist,
and set in bold relief each dark - hued cloud;
to sin and crime he gave their proper hue,
and hurled as evil what was evil’s due.

through good and ill report he cleaved his way
right onward, with his face set toward the heights,
not feared to face the foeman’s dread array,—

in which way does the tone of the poem express the author’s intent?

1. words of strength and power establish a forceful tone, revealing an outrage at how a public figure was treated.
2. heroic imagery establishes an admiring tone, showing an effort to inspire reverence for a public figure.
3. ideas of conflict and struggle establish an insistent tone, illustrating an attempt to incite others into action.
4. the theme of perseverance establishes a hopeful tone, indicating a belief that hard work breeds success.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: The poem doesn't show outrage about how Douglass was treated; it praises him, so this is incorrect.
2. Analyze Option 2: The poem uses heroic imagery (e.g., "cleaved his way", "face set toward the heights") to show admiration for Douglass, aiming to inspire reverence. This matches the tone and intent.
3. Analyze Option 3: The poem isn't trying to incite action; it's celebrating Douglass, so this is incorrect.
4. Analyze Option 4: The theme of perseverance is present, but the tone is admiring, not just hopeful about hard work leading to success. This misinterprets the intent.

Answer:

1. Heroic imagery establishes an admiring tone, showing an effort to inspire reverence for a public figure.