Frederick Douglass Rhetorical Analysis Essay

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Through Douglass’s use of vibrant imagery and dreadful diction, he is able to display the process of his mind’s growth, guiding readers from unknowingness to consciousness.
In this passage, Douglass starts off by introducing us to his mistress. He describes her as “a woman of the kindest heart and finest feelings”and states “she had never had a slave under her control previously to myself.” This statement conveys a sense of excitement and newness. Because his new mistress lacks experience in slavery, Douglass doesn’t know what to expect from her, and believes that he will not be treated as harshly as compared to previous owners. In addition, Douglass perceives the mistress’s naivety as as lack of exposure to the”dehumanizing effects of slavery. …show more content…

He is able to capture that moment of joy and revelation by saying: “ It was a grand achievement, and I prized it highly. From that moment, I understood the pathway from slavery to freedom.”. Douglass realizes that he has grown over his years as a slave and fully understands the factors that enslave him. Furthermore, he uses contrary to display his understanding, such as : “ Whilst I was saddened by the thought of losing the aid of my kind mistress, I was gladdened by the invaluable instruction which, by the merest accident I had gained from my master”. Douglass is able to reflect himself off of others and he learns from that reflection. Douglass further proves this by saying” The very decided manner with which he spoke, and strove to impress his wife with the evil consequences of giving me instruction, served to convince me that he was deeply sensible of the truths he was uttering”. He shows to the readers that he is now able to learn from other’s and their mistakes, which presents to use levels of development. Douglass ends it off by using more antithesis such as “ What he most dreaded, that I most

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