Final answer:
The speech 'Self-Made Men' and the essays 'Bird by Bird' and 'How Much Indian Was I?, My Fellow Students Asked' have distinct purposes, audiences, and messages. 'Self-Made Men' is persuasive and motivational, targeted at a general audience, while 'Bird by Bird' is informative and entertaining for writers, and 'How Much Indian Was I?' explores personal identity and cultural belonging.
Step-by-step explanation:
To compare and contrast the purpose, audience, and message of the speech Self-Made Men and the personal essays Bird by Bird and How Much Indian Was I?, My Fellow Students Asked, it's essential to analyze the intent behind each piece of writing. All three pieces have educational intentions but differ in their approach and the audiences they target.
The speech Self-Made Men by Frederick Douglass is aimed at inspiring individuals to achieve success through their own efforts, reflecting on personal responsibility and perseverance. It is persuasive in nature and meant to motivate a broad audience. In contrast, Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird is a personal essay that provides guidance on writing and life, with a witty and engaging tone. Its purpose is both to inform and entertain writers or aspiring writers. Lastly, Bird by Bird and Sherman Alexie's How Much Indian Was I?, My Fellow Students Asked share personal narratives but differ in that Alexie's essay addresses identity and culture, tackling the question of authenticity and belonging as posed by Alexie's college classmates.
The message expressed in each piece differs as well. Douglass speaks to individual capability and personal achievement, Lamott to the creative process and the struggles of writing, while Alexie discusses the internal conflict of cultural identity. Their tones and language differ to suit their respective audiences—Douglass is formal and motivational, Lamott is informal and humorous, and Alexie is simultaneously personal and reflective.