preview

Examples Of Diction In The Life Of The Dougcible

Good Essays

Finally, the author uses diction to present slaveholders cowardice by dramatizing his daily situation when preparing his escape “advise me to complete thoughtlessness of the future, and taught me to depend solely upon him for happiness.” pg.106. By appealing to pathos and exaggerating slaves situation, Douglass intents to show the fear of slaveholders through connotation. Slaveholders have nothing in their lives without slaves, so they used manipulated their slaves to satisfy themselves. Slaveholders control every aspect in the life of a slave to prevent progress in slaves lives to block decay in slavery which would be a disaster for slaveholders. In conclusion this illuminates slaveholders selfishness to show their success to a biased community …show more content…

Douglas uses diction and detail in the conclusion of his book and assures, “Faithfully relying upon the power of truth, love and justice, for success in my humble efforts- and solemnly pledging myself anew to the sacred cause,- I subscribe myself” pg.126. In passage the author is referring to freedom, and characterizes freedom as something obtained by self determination, and full devotion through the use of diction. Using denotation, Douglass characterizes freedom for all slaves as his main goal in life. In this sentence, the author is giving hope to other slaves, implying freedom is possible. In addition Douglass uses connotation to send a message to slaveholders saying they are living in a fantasy, and warning them of the consequences when slavery ends. With this, Douglas encourages other slaves to find strength to look and fight for freedom and to create a human chain to promote the abolitionist movement. In addition, Douglas extends on the complexity of freedom by projecting, “The wretchedness of slavery, and the blessedness of freedom, were perpetually before me.” Pg. 110. By appealing to ethos through diction, the author exhibits the

Get Access