Final answer:
Frederick Douglass uses parallel structure in his text to emphasize and create a memorable impact on the audience regarding the broad and inclusive transformation in attitudes toward racial equality and slavery in the United States. It underlines a harmonious and positive societal shift and highlights Douglass’s command over language to frame the complexity and progress of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of parallel structure in Frederick Douglass's excerpt from "Blessings of Liberty and Education" emphasizes the collective and substantial change that occurred in the United States regarding the subject of slavery and racial equality. By repeating the phrase "The North has changed, and the South has changed, and we have all changed," Douglass not only highlights the national scope of this change but also the inclusive nature of this transformation, implying that it encompasses every individual and region. This rhetorical device creates a rhythm and reinforces his point, making the audience more likely to remember and be persuaded by his argument. It also suggests a harmonious shift in mindset towards positive developments in society. Moreover, Douglass’s mastery over language, as shown through his use of rhetorical strategies, aids in conveying a sophisticated understanding of the complexities of the era and the need for continued progress towards racial equality.
Fredrick Douglass's own engagement with language and education after his experience with literacy, as well as his perspective on the harm of slavery, reflects a broader struggle for African Americans during and after the Civil War. The recommendation for Northern states to recognize Black equality, despite their own resistance and prejudices, and the acknowledgment of multifaceted progress (political, legal, and educational) highlight the complex dynamics of the period. Douglass's skillful use of parallelism echoes other historic uses, such as John F. Kennedy's, where it serves to solidify key facets of an argument and encourage collective action towards the ideals of liberty and equality.