Question

Which best describes the effect of the repetition of the word “I” throughout "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” It makes Douglass seem self-involved and convinced of his own importance. It reinforces the sense of personal importance the issue has for Douglass. It reminds readers that Douglass has a strong sense of individuality. It establishes Douglass’s personality clearly in readers’ minds.

Answer 1

The correct answer is It reinforces the sense of personal importance the issue has for Douglass.

Step-by-step explanation:

The repetition of the word "I" during the speech is to emphasize everything Douglass lived with respect to slavery, and the hypocrisy that exists in the country in terms of freedom and celebration on July 4th.

Being an abolitionist born in slavery, Douglass preferred to speak of July 5th in which during the year 1827, 4000 African Americans celebrated the end of slavery in their state.

In his speech, Douglass acknowledged that those who signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th only wanted to have an image of a correct republic, without taking into account that at the national level there were still many citizens who could not enjoy their freedom.

Answer 2

The answer that best describes the effect of the repetition of the word "I" throughout the poem is the second choice - It reinforces the sense of personal importance the issue has for Douglass.
The Fourth of July celebrates independence that America gained from England, however, given that the slaves were unaffected by this change, Douglass felt the need to write a poem about a mere slave whose life hasn't been changed at all after his new country gained independence.