close
test_template

A Rhetorical Analysis of The Autobiography of Frederick Douglass

About this sample

About this sample

close
Human-Written

Words: 462 |

Page: 1|

3 min read

Published: Jul 17, 2018

Words: 462|Page: 1|3 min read

Published: Jul 17, 2018

Table of contents

  1. Rhetorical Precis Outline
  2. Introduction
  3. Use of Metaphors
  4. Use of Rhetorical Questions
  5. Effectiveness of Stylistic Elements
  6. Conclusion
  7. Rhetorical Essay Example
  8. Works Cited:

Rhetorical Precis Outline

Introduction

  • Overview of Frederick Douglass's autobiography and its historical significance
  • Mention of Douglass's use of stylistic elements in his writing

Use of Metaphors

  • Explanation of how Douglass employs metaphors to vividly describe his situation as a slave
  • Analysis of specific metaphors, such as the comparison of ships to angels and slavery as the "hottest hell"

Use of Rhetorical Questions

  • Discussion of Douglass's use of rhetorical questions to strengthen his point and convey confidence
  • Analysis of specific rhetorical questions and their impact on the reader

Effectiveness of Stylistic Elements

  • Examination of how Douglass's use of metaphors and rhetorical questions engages the reader and conveys his message
  • Emphasis on the importance of these techniques in allowing readers to empathize with Douglass's experiences and struggles as a slave

Conclusion

  • Recap of how Douglass's skillful use of rhetorical strategies helped him communicate his story and advocate for change
  • Reiteration of the significance of his autobiography in the context of African American history and the fight against slavery

Rhetorical Essay Example

Frederick Douglass’s autobiography, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass,” describes the horrors of the life of a slave. Having a voice as a black slave was difficult, so the popularity of this autobiography was historical. He was going to have to be very convincing in order to be heard as an African American. Therefore, he uses stylistic elements such as metaphors and rhetorical questions in the third paragraph to strengthen his point, which he builds up in the previous paragraphs.

Douglass applies metaphors into his message to create a detailed image of his situation. For instance, when describing the ships moving off into the ocean, he claims, “You are freedom’s swift-winged angels, that fly around the world.” (line 44-46). He compares these ships to angels because they are free to travel around the world with the help of their sail. By creating this type of illustration, readers are able to admire this and see how even ships are more free than Douglass, who is a human being. Furthermore, when discussing his circumstances, he says, “I am left in the hottest hell.” He calls slavery the “hottest hell” to emphasize its evil and cruel nature and to make readers aware of how horrendous it actually feels like to be trapped and left behind. He summarizes his explanation in the first two paragraphs with this metaphor: slavery is hell. Including these metaphors in his autobiography not only gains sympathy from the readers, but it also gives the readers a more powerful message.

Douglass also turns to rhetorical questions to reestablish his point and make him seem more confident and credible. Moreover, when contemplating about his escape, he asks, “Try it?” and immediately follows with a “Yes.” This shows his intense desire for freedom, if it only wasn’t for the owners. It also suggests his eagerness for the dance to escape from slavery due to its cruelness. Additionally, when worrying about bearing up slaves, he asks himself, “Why should I fret? I can bear as much as any of them.” He shows the readers how determined and confident he is and that nothing can stop him. It shows his resolution compared to his sufferings described in the first two paragraphs. Because of these rhetorical questions, the author’s credibility increases because his tone is confident and assertive.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

Ultimately, his techniques using metaphors and rhetorical questions is meant to draw the readers in and help them understand the writer’s point of view and how they feel. Being an African American at this time was challenging, so his success was definitely due to his talent and ability to use rhetorical strategies to his advantage. His skill to communicate his story and allow the audience to feel and empathize his pain was enough to initiate a change

Works Cited:

  1. Miller, A. (1953). The Crucible. Viking Press.
  2. Miller, A. (1987). The Crucible in history. The New Yorker, 63(32), 158-165.
  3. Novick, P. (1997). McCarthyism and its legacy. Journal of Social History, 31(3), 553-566.
  4. Pleck, E. H. (2007). McCarthyism and the American working class. Journal of American History, 94(3), 836-847.
  5. Schrecker, E. (1994). McCarthyism: Political repression and the fear of communism. Psychology Press.
  6. Smith, D. (2013). Mccarthyism: The great American red scare: A documentary history. Oxford University Press.
  7. Stark, R. (2009). The triumph of Christianity: How the Jesus movement became the world's largest religion. HarperOne.
  8. Tufte, E. R. (2006). The cognitive style of PowerPoint: Pitching out corrupts within (2nd ed.). Cheshire, CT: Graphics Press.
  9. Varnum, M. E. W., & Grossmann, I. (2017). The psychological science of fake news. Journal of Social and Political Psychology, 5(1), 1-37.
  10. Waller, M. J. (2002). Big lies: The right-wing propaganda machine and how it distorts the truth. TarcherPerigee.
Image of Dr. Charlotte Jacobson
This essay was reviewed by
Dr. Charlotte Jacobson

Cite this Essay

A Rhetorical Analysis of the Autobiography of Frederick Douglass. (2018, April 29). GradesFixer. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/a-rhetorical-analysis-of-the-autobiography-of-frederick-douglass/
“A Rhetorical Analysis of the Autobiography of Frederick Douglass.” GradesFixer, 29 Apr. 2018, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/a-rhetorical-analysis-of-the-autobiography-of-frederick-douglass/
A Rhetorical Analysis of the Autobiography of Frederick Douglass. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/a-rhetorical-analysis-of-the-autobiography-of-frederick-douglass/> [Accessed 5 Dec. 2024].
A Rhetorical Analysis of the Autobiography of Frederick Douglass [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2018 Apr 29 [cited 2024 Dec 5]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/a-rhetorical-analysis-of-the-autobiography-of-frederick-douglass/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now