Question
"What, To a Slave, is the Fourth of July?"
by Frederick Douglass
There is hope in the thought, and hope is much needed, under the dark clouds which lower above the horizon. The eye of the reformer is met with angry flashes, portending disastrous times; but his heart may well beat lighter at the thought that America is young, and that she is still in the impressible stage of her existence. May he not hope that high lessons of wisdom, of justice and of truth, will yet give direction to her destiny? Were the nation older, the patriot’s heart might be sadder, and the reformer’s brow heavier. Its future might be shrouded in gloom, and the hope of its prophets go out in sorrow.
Use the excerpt to answer the question.
How did Frederick Douglass make use of rhetorical devices in this excerpt?
(1 point)
Responses
He presented two opposing ideas in order to clarify his ideas.
He presented two opposing ideas in order to clarify his ideas.
He made a reference to a specific literary work in order to support his main argument.
He made a reference to a specific literary work in order to support his main argument.
He asked a question for which he did not intend an answer.
He asked a question for which he did not intend an answer.
He used repetition of key words and phrases in order to make his point clear.
by Frederick Douglass
There is hope in the thought, and hope is much needed, under the dark clouds which lower above the horizon. The eye of the reformer is met with angry flashes, portending disastrous times; but his heart may well beat lighter at the thought that America is young, and that she is still in the impressible stage of her existence. May he not hope that high lessons of wisdom, of justice and of truth, will yet give direction to her destiny? Were the nation older, the patriot’s heart might be sadder, and the reformer’s brow heavier. Its future might be shrouded in gloom, and the hope of its prophets go out in sorrow.
Use the excerpt to answer the question.
How did Frederick Douglass make use of rhetorical devices in this excerpt?
(1 point)
Responses
He presented two opposing ideas in order to clarify his ideas.
He presented two opposing ideas in order to clarify his ideas.
He made a reference to a specific literary work in order to support his main argument.
He made a reference to a specific literary work in order to support his main argument.
He asked a question for which he did not intend an answer.
He asked a question for which he did not intend an answer.
He used repetition of key words and phrases in order to make his point clear.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In the excerpt from Frederick Douglass's speech, the most fitting response would be:
**He presented two opposing ideas in order to clarify his ideas.**
Douglass contrasts the darkness and despair suggested by the "dark clouds" and "angry flashes" with the hopefulness tied to America's youth and potential for growth and improvement. This juxtaposition serves to clarify his belief that despite current hardships, there is still hope for progress and a brighter future.
**He presented two opposing ideas in order to clarify his ideas.**
Douglass contrasts the darkness and despair suggested by the "dark clouds" and "angry flashes" with the hopefulness tied to America's youth and potential for growth and improvement. This juxtaposition serves to clarify his belief that despite current hardships, there is still hope for progress and a brighter future.