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.
