Question

Reread the following excerpt from Douglass's speech.

It is true that, notwithstanding their alleged ignorance, they were wiser than their masters, and knew enough to be loyal, while those masters only knew enough to be rebels and traitors. It is
true that they fought side by side in the loyal cause with our gallant and patriotic white soldiers, and that, but for their help,-divided as the loyal States were,-the Rebels might have succeeded in breaking up the Union, thereby entailing border wars and troubles of unknown duration and incalculable calamity. All this and more is true of these loyal negroes. Many daring
exploits will be told to their credit. Impartial history will paint them as men who deserved well of their country.

Question:

Describe the effect Douglass achieves with his repetition of the words loyal and rebel in this excerpt. What key concept is he trying to stress with this repetition? What is the possible impact on the audience? Write your response on the lines provided.

Answer 1

Douglass achieves emphasis and contrast with the repetition of the words 'loyal' and 'rebel' to stress the loyalty of African Americans during the Civil War and challenge stereotypes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Douglass achieves the effect of emphasis and contrast with his repetition of the words loyal and rebel in this excerpt. By repeating these words, Douglass is stressing the key concept that African Americans were loyal to the Union cause during the Civil War, while their masters were rebels and traitors. The repetition highlights the stark contrast between the actions and character of African Americans and their white masters. The possible impact on the audience is to challenge their preconceived notions about African Americans and undermine the stereotype of African Americans as ignorant and disloyal.