Question

Describe the tone of Douglass speech how does his tone contribute to the appeal that he makes using ethos and pathos

Answer 1

The tone of the Douglas’ speech “What to a slave is the 4th of July” is one of admonition. Douglas shows that the values the US is built on and which are celebrated on the 4th of July are an offense to and ridicule of the slave population in the United States which did not have neither liberty, freedom or even citizenship in the US.

This tone is effective in using pathos as it shows logically that there is a problem with slavery and that slavery directly goes against the values of the United States.

The admonition tone is also used in ethos as it tugs the heart string of the listener. The use of the Biblical language and imagery also reinforces this effect. He also  uses the patriotism of his listeners as he praises the Founding Fathers and the creation of the nation.