According to Frederick Douglass "What to the slave is the fourth of July?" Answer the questions with textual evidence. In some ways, the first part of the speech is a traditional patriotic speech. Identify these elements.
Douglass uses religious language in discussing Independence. Why do you think he does so?
What is his opinion of the American Founders? What characteristics does he praise about them? What is their most significant accomplishment?
What does he mean by ring-bolt?
Douglass repeatedly uses the pronouns “you” and “your” (rather than “our” and ‘ours”) throughout this section. Why does he do this?
Why do you think he delivered the speech on the 5th rather than the 4th of July?
Why does he call his own time “degenerate”?