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Rhetorical Analysis Essay On A Vindication Of The Rights Of Women

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Rhetorical Persuasion: The Comparison of Rhetoric Shakira K. Smith ENGL 120: Freshman Composition Professor Monica Torres April 15, 2023 Rhetorical Persuasion: The Comparison of Rhetoric Rhetoric is the art of persuasive language and through its use, writers can create compelling and convincing texts. Mary Wollstonecraft's 'A Vindication of the Rights of Women' was written in 1792, during the Age of Enlightenment. It is an influential work of literature that is still relevant today. In 'A Vindication of the Rights of Women,' Wollstonecraft argues that women should have the same educational opportunities as men and should be treated as equals in society. Mary Wollstonecraft was an English writer, philosopher, and advocate of women's rights. …show more content…

Douglass establishes his credibility and authority on the issue of slavery and inequality in the United States by drawing on his own experience and expertise. He begins the speech by introducing himself as a former slave and expressing his sadness and disappointment at the Fourth of July festivities which celebrate the nation’s independence while ignoring the ongoing oppression of African Americans. He says, “I am not included within the pale of this glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us.” By acknowledging his own identity as a former slave, Douglass gives himself immediate credibility on the issue of slavery and inequality. Douglass utilizes pathos to evoke the emotions of the audience. He speaks of the slaves’ pain, suffering, and injustice. He states, 'What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer, a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim.' With this sentence, Douglass paints a vivid image of the suffering and injustice African Americans experience on the Fourth of July. He also uses vivid imagery to create a powerful emotional appeal. For example, Douglass states, 'There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices, more shocking and bloody, than are the people of these United States, at this very hour.' This statement evokes strong feelings of shock and sorrow in the audience. To strengthen his argument, Douglass uses logos. Douglass states, “The Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” This statement uses logical reasoning to emphasize the difference between free citizens and slaves, as the Fourth of July is a celebration for free citizens, but for slaves, it is a day of mourning. He also states, “Are the great principles of political freedom and of

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