Question

Describe how you determined the author's purpose for "The Hypocrisy of American Slavery

Answer 1

The main purpose of Douglass in the speech "The Hypocrisy of American Slavery” (Given July 4, 1852) is to shame the American people specifically the people of Rochester, NY that asked him, knowing that he is a former slave to give a speech on the day of celebration of the American Freedom.

Here are some cites:

“Fellow citizens, pardon me, and allow me to ask, why am I called upon to speak here today? What have I or those I represent to do with your national independence?” - Paragraph 1

“Fellow citizens, above your national, tumultuous joy, I hear the mournful wail of millions, whose chains, heavy and grievous yesterday, are today rendered more intolerable by the jubilant shouts that reach them.“ - Paragraph 4