1What messages did Douglas try to deliver to his audience?
2.Find evidence of vivid imagery. What impact does it have on the audience? Were the people of his time aware of the reality of the slaves’ treatment?
3.Does Douglass employ comparison and contrast? Give specifics. How do they contribute to the theme?
4.Why do you think Douglass talks about his background?
5.Find examples of ethos, pathos, and logos in the speech. How do they help Douglass rally his audience in his cause?
6.Do you find parallel structures? How do they effectively help him to convey his messages?
7.Find cases of irony and analyze how they satirize the hypocrisy of slave owners.
8.Does he use induction or deduction or both? How do they contribute to the theme?
9.What is his overall tone? Is he equivocal or forthright in the condemnations of the wrongs? Does he sound positive too? How do his tones help him appeal to his audience?
10.Do you think racism still exists in America? Have you experienced or witnessed incidents of racial discrimination?