Frederick Douglass: What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?

Sample Solution

Discussion Questions about Frederick Douglass's "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"

1. Why does Douglass appeal to the Constitution in the last section of the speech? What is surprising about this appeal?

Douglass appeals to the Constitution in the last section of his speech to highlight the hypocrisy of America celebrating its founding principles of liberty and equality while simultaneously denying those very rights to enslaved people. This is a powerful and surprising appeal because it forces the audience to confront the contradiction between their ideals and their actions. It's unexpected because he uses the very document that enshrines freedom as a weapon against the very system that denies it to him and others like him.

2. To what other elements in the American political tradition does he appeal?

Beyond the Constitution, Douglass also appeals to other elements of American political tradition, such as:

• Declaration of Independence: He references its ideals of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" to expose the hypocrisy of their denial to enslaved people.
• Natural law: He argues that the right to freedom is inherent and God-given, transcending man-made laws that perpetuate injustice.
• Religious principles: He cites biblical passages that condemn slavery and advocate for justice and equality.

Full Answer Section

These appeals serve to broaden the scope of his argument, grounding it not just in legal documents but in the broader values and traditions that America claims to uphold.

3. Given all that he has said in his speech, why does Douglass conclude on an optimistic note for black Americans? What reasons does he give for optimism?

Despite the harsh realities he paints, Douglass ends on a hopeful note, urging his audience to continue fighting for their freedom. He cites several reasons for optimism:

• The power of truth: He believes exposing the hypocrisy and injustice of slavery will eventually lead to its downfall.
• The resilience of the human spirit: He admires the strength and perseverance of enslaved people in their struggle for freedom.
• The growing abolitionist movement: He sees the growing support for abolition as a positive sign of progress.
• Divine intervention: He expresses faith in a higher power that will ultimately bring about justice.

These reasons, while acknowledging the challenges, offer a glimmer of hope for a better future.

4. What are your feelings about the Fourth of July Holiday?

After reading Douglass's speech, your feelings about the Fourth of July holiday might be complex. You might feel conflicted between celebrating the nation's ideals and acknowledging the historical and ongoing injustices that contradict them. This internal struggle can be a powerful catalyst for reflection and engagement with issues of social justice.

Remember:

These are just some initial thoughts and interpretations. Encourage further discussion by sharing your own insights and responses to the questions. You can also explore other elements of Douglass's speech that resonate with you and connect them to your understanding of American history and contemporary society.