Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

1993

Thesis Director

Carol E. Schmudde

Abstract

In this rhetorical analysis of Frederick Douglass' style, I argue that the power of his language comes from the multiplicity of voices arising from his work. I specifically concentrate on the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself (1845), as well as on some of the speeches he delivered soon after the book was published.

Coming from a different culture, I was intrigued by my reaction to Douglass' writing style. I find him a writer with very strong rhetorical skills which have a tremendous appeal to any reader. My personal response explores the reasons for Douglass' success both as a writer and an orator. However, I especially focus on what fascinates me most about his use of language. Furthermore, I account for my choice of the Narrative and the specific speeches as the primary texts I am using.

Influenced by other major figures and works in American literature, I distinguish among different voices that arise from Douglass' prose. I am convinced that the Narrative echoes the voices of a southerner, a preacher, an orator, and an ex-slave. In the main body of my thesis, I demonstrate how each voice contributes to the writer's fascinating personality, as well as to the creation of a strong relationship between Douglass and his audience. My discussion of the ex-slave's voice serves as an overview of Douglass' transition from the world of ignorance and slavery to that of literacy and freedom. At this point, I emphasize the techniques he uses in order to become a master of the language and, subsequently, a master of himself.

In the last pages of this project, I focus on the American reader's response to the Narrative. The reviews that the book received when it was published help me examine in detail the reactions of Douglass' contemporary audience. In addition, I rely on the autobiographical nature of the Narrative, in order to point out the effect that the book has to the reader today. Finally, I discuss the issue of slavery as the main theme of the Narrative and as the main reason for Douglass' appeal to the American reader of the twentieth century.

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